The Me 262 Stormbird: From the Pilots Who Flew, Fought, and Survived It

The Me 262 was the first jet-powered aircraft to see regular service in the skies of World War II. This piece of engineering captured the imaginations of aviation enthusiasts of all stripes--from children following the course of World War II at home, to the Allied pilots who flew against it.

The story of how the Stormbird came to be is a fascinating one, and it comes to life here in the capable hands of noted historian, Colin Heaton. Although conceived before the war, with the initial plans drawn in April 1939, the Stormbird was beset with technological problems (particularly in the revolutionary engines) and political difficulties, resulting in it not entering combat until August 1944. However, when it took to the skies, it returned with claims of nineteen downed Allied aircraft.

The Me 262 outperformed Allied aircraft to such a degree that on September 1, 1944, USAAF General, Carl Spaatz, remarked that if greater numbers of German jets appeared, they could inflict losses heavy enough to force cancellation of the Allied daylight bombing offensive.

Told largely in the words of the German aces who flew the aircraft, The Me 262 Stormbird provides the complete history of a truly incredible aircraft from the drawing boards to combat service of the Third Reich. Features two forewords, by Jorg Czypionka, Me 262 night fighter pilot, and Barret Tillman, historian and author.