The Me262 was the world's first operational jet fighter, and could outrun and outgun every allied plane in the sky. It was known as the Swallow to the Germans, as the swallow was one of the fastest birds in the sky when diving on an insect (and it was, indeed, the natural enemy of the Mosquito). Despite scaring the willies out of everyone on the wrong side of its guns, it had little real impact on the course of the war. It was plagued by engine problems and a lack of fuel and qualified pilots.

Cool stuff for Me262 lovers:

Check out the Messerschmitt Me262 T-shirt in the gift shop!