This is the world’s first operational jet fighter, the Messerschmitt Me 262. In 1944 it was years ahead of its time, flying faster than any piston-engine aircraft. Today only a handful still fly worldwide, mostly modern reproductions built to the original design. The big change is the engines. The wartime Jumo 004s were powerful but often failed after just a few hours. Modern examples use reliable jet engines hidden in replica casings, keeping the look and performance without the breakdowns. So

9.6K views · 128 reactions | Throwback with the Messerschmitt Me 262, the world’s first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft. It was faster and more heavily armed than any Allied fighter, including the British jet-powered Gloster Meteor. Captured Me 262s were studied and flight-tested by the major powers, and ultimately influenced the designs of post-war aircraft such as the North American F-86 Sabre, MiG-15 and Boeing B-47 Stratojet. | Military Update | Facebook

Stormbird!!! The feared ME-262 flies again! WWII Weekend 2025 saw the first airshow debut in 2025 of the Military Aviation Museums Messerschmitt ME-262 replica. May not be an original airframe but this WAS built from original specs and blueprints but with more modern safety features and reliable engines, so it’s essentially a new build 262. So great to see this grace the skies! #wwii #technology #military #history #wow | Ryan Tykosh Photography

The Me 262 and her potent arsenal of four 30mm Mk 108 autocannon. #warbirds #messerschmitt #Me262 #jet #luftwaffe | Daniel J Wheatcroft

858K views · 21K reactions | "The Messerschmitt Me 262 — the world’s first operational jet fighter, and a true game-changer in aviation history." #Me262 #JetFighter #AviationHistory #WWIIPlanes #FirstJet #MilitaryFacts #DefenseTech #ModernWarfare #GlobalMilitary #Battlefield #JustFlowTime | Just Flow Time | Facebook

Wow, look at this! The Messerschmitt Me 262, the world’s first jet fighter, blasting into the sky. Faster than anything the Allies had, but Hitler slowed its progress by demanding it be used for ground attack. By 1945, Germany also had the Heinkel 162 Salamander, the rocket-powered Me 163 Comet, and the jet Horton bomber. Imagine if they’d all been unleashed together… #aviation #worldwar2 #militaryhistory #aviationlovers #history | AvPay.aero

37K views · 757 reactions | In the closing chapters of World War II,...