An illustrated account of the first jetpowered combat aircraft the Messerschmitt Me 262 and its short but actionpacked career during World War 2.Powered by the Jumo 004 jet engine the Me 262 outclassed anything the Allies had in terms of speed and firepower offering as an interceptor a formidable punch with four 30 mm MK 108 nosemounted cannon. Such a blend of armament and speed allowed the Me 262A1a not just to inflict carnage on the Allied heavy bomber formations but also to evade their fighter escorts even the later marks of Spitfire and the formidable American P51 Mustang.In this new study Luftwaffe historian Robert Forsyth utilises firsthand accounts from Me 262 pilots to chronicle actions against Allied bombers and their escorts as well as detailing hitandrun bomber attacks on road junctions Allied airfields vehicle columns troop assemblies and supply dumps. All of these aspects of the Me 262 are enhanced by vivid illustrations including archival photographs and specially commissioned profile artworks.