An illustrated account of the first jet-powered combat aircraft, the Messerschmitt Me 262, and its short but action-packed career during World War 2.

Powered by the Jumo 004 jet engine, the Me 262 outclassed anything the Allies had in terms of speed and firepower, offering, as an interceptor, a formidable punch with four 30 mm MK 108 nose-mounted cannon. Such a blend of armament and speed allowed the Me 262A-1a not just to inflict carnage on the Allied heavy bomber formations, but also to evade their fighter escorts - even the later marks of Spitfire and the formidable American P-51 Mustang.

In this new study, Luftwaffe historian Robert Forsyth utilises first-hand accounts from Me 262 pilots to chronicle actions against Allied bombers and their escorts, as well as detailing hit-and-run bomber attacks on road junctions, Allied airfields, vehicle columns, troop assemblies and supply dumps. All of these aspects of the Me 262 are enhanced by vivid illustrations, including archival photographs and specially commissioned profile artworks.

Robert Forsyth is an author and editor specializing in military aviation and history. He is the author of over 30 titles for Osprey covering the aircraft and operations of the Luftwaffe.

Gareth Hector has worked on many Osprey aviation titles over the past 18 years, producing both battlescene and cover artwork.

Jim Laurier has produced artwork for the Osprey aviation list since 2000 and has created some of the finest profile and technical artwork in these volumes.