The Messerschmitt Me 262 became the first operational jet fighter in the world. In addition to its Jumo 004 turbojet powerplants, its swept wings were a further innovation that made the Me 262 one of the most extraordinary designs of World War II. The Me 262 A-1a achieved the incredible speed for its time of 497 mph - almost 125 mph faster than the North American P-51 Mustang. The Me 262 not only enjoyed superior speed, but it also had deadly firepower:...