The Messerschmitt Me-262A Schwalbe (German for "swallow") is a German twin-engine fighter-bomber with a metal structure in a low-wing configuration. The Me-262 became the first combat jet aircraft in the history of aviation. The first flight with piston engines took place in 1941, and with turbojet engines - on July 18, 1942. The first design of the glider, which received the designation P.1065, was presented in 1939 and, surprisingly, was significantly different from the final version. It was quickly decided to use swept wings and test the glider in flight with piston engines (Jumo210), which was successfully completed in 1941. As a result of problems with the power plant of the target (BMW003 engine), the first jet flight of the Me -262 took place with Junkers Jumo004 engines. Interestingly, the Me-262 was structurally ready for serial production at the end of 1942. However, its entry into the lineup was significantly delayed. First, due to material deficiencies (especially tungsten and chromium) that forced technological changes, second, due to the failure of the BMW003 engines, and third, due to Hitler's opposition to the fact that the Me-262 was a fast bomber, not a fighter. . As a result of all factors, the aircraft entered service only in 1944! Given the overwhelming superiority of the Allies in the air, the lack of fuel and trained Me-262 crews could not have a serious impact on the course of the war. Undoubtedly, it was technologically superior to enemy aircraft, and the loss ratio was 1:9 in favor of the Me-262. A total of about 1,400 machines were built, but only about 300 entered service. Several research versions of this revolutionary aircraft were built: bomber (A-2a), scout (A-1a / U3 and A-4a), day fighter (A-1a) and night fighter (B-1a / U1). Technical data (Me-262A-1a version): length: 10.6 m, wingspan: 12.6 m, height: 3.5 m, maximum speed: 900 km / h, rate of climb: 20 m / s, maximum range: 1050 km, maximum ceiling 11450 m, Armament: stationary - 4 30-mm MK108 guns, suspended - 24 P4M rockets of 55 mm caliber, up to 1000 kg of bombs.
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