The Messerschmitt ME262 was the first jet fighter to fly in combat. It had its first combat encounter in July of 1944 and, when used, its speed proved a decisive edge in the air. There were over 1400 of these planes made, but only around 300 actually flew in combat. The combination of unreliable engines, lack of fuel, parts and pilots and command decisions prevented it from playing a major part in the war. Allied planes also destroyed many of them on ground.
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Image information:
Camera:NIKON D70  Date:Saturday February 19,2005 10:27 AM
Shutter speed: 1/15  F-stop: 8.0  Focal length: 31.0mm (35mm equivalent: 46.0mm)  
ISO: 400   Lens: 18.0-70.0 mm f/3.5-4.5   Metering mode: Spot