Hobby Boss 1/48 Messerschmitt Me 262 B-1a/U1

The Messerschmitt Me262 was the first jet fighter in the world. Project work had begun at Messerschmitt as early as April 1939 on a new high-speed fighter plane, the propulsion of which was to consist of the "turbine jet" system.  And on 18 July 1942, the Me262 took off on its first flight. The Me262 was powered by two Jumo 004B type engines, giving the Me262 a maximum speed of 870km/h at an altitude of 6,000m. Its service ceiling was 11,400m and its range was 1,050km.  Basic armament consists of 4x30mm MK108 cannon installed in the nose.  In addition, 2x12 type R4M rockets could be carried under the wings. 

Molded in gray plastic; includes metal parts and decals. 

Decal Options:

1. Messerschmitt Me 262 B-1a/U1

    Wehrmacht Luftwaffe (German Air Force 1935-1945) 

   • 10./NJG 11 W.Nr.111980 red 12
     1945 World War 2
     RLM76 RLM81 RLM83
   • 10./NJG 11 W.Nr.110494 red 11 (Lt. Herbert Altner)
     1945 World War 2
     RLM76 RLM75

The Messerschmitt Me 262 Schwalbe ("Swallow") was the world's first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft. Design work started before World War II began but engine problems prevented the aircraft from attaining operational status with the Luftwaffe until mid-1944. Compared with Allied fighters of its day, including the British jet-powered Gloster Meteor, it was much faster and better armed. One of the most advanced aviation designs in operational use during World War II the Me 262 was used in a variety of roles, including light bomber, reconnaissance and even experimental night fighter versions.

Me 262 pilots claimed a total of 542 Allied kills(although higher claims are sometimes made)against the loss of only about 100 Me 262s in the air.The Allies countered its potential effectiveness in the air by relentlessly attacking the aircraft on the ground and while they were taking off or landing. Maintenance problems and a lack of fuel during the deteriorating late-war situation also reduced the effectiveness of the aircraft as a fighting force. In the end, the Me 262 had a negligible impact on the course of the war as a result of its late introduction and the consequently small numbers that were deployed in operational service.The Me 262 influenced the designs of post-war aircraft such as the North American F-86 Sabre and Boeing B-47 Stratojet.