First Test Flight of Me 262

Date: July 18, 1942 • Location: Berlin, Germany

The Germans test fly the Messerschmitt Me 262 using its jet engines for the first time.

The Messerschmitt Me 262, nicknamed Schwalbe in fighter versions, or Sturmvogel in fighter-bomber versions, is a fighter aircraft and fighter-bomber that was designed and produced by the German aircraft manufacturer Messerschmitt. It was the world's first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft and one of two jet fighter aircraft types to see air-to-air combat in World War II, the other being the Heinkel He 162.