The Messerschmitt Me 262, developed by Messerschmitt AG, Augsburg, was the first series-built jet aircraft. Between 1943 and 1945, 1433 of the twin-jet aircraft were built, of which about 800 were delivered to the Luftwaffe during World War II.
The Me 262 was one of the most technically advanced aircraft of its time and had a significant influence on the further development of jet fighters after World War II. Many of the most famous and successful Luftwaffe pilots such as Johannes Steinhoff, Walter Nowotny and Adolf Galland flew the Me 262.
In 1993, reproduction of five examples began in the US using drawing fragments and an original two-seat training aircraft, which served as a model.
All parts had to be manufactured new; no original parts were used. Equipped with modern engines and modern subsystems of US manufacture, the first aircraft of the new series flew for the first time on 20 December 2002 in Seattle, WA. The Messerschmitt Foundation aircraft made its maiden flight on 15 August 2005 in Seattle, WA. After a short flight, it was disassembled, packed and shipped by plane to Manching, its new home base. After reassembly and ground tests, it flew for the first time on 25 April 2006 under the hands of Horst Philipp.
'What do you do with all those photos you take'? Is a question I am regularly asked. 'Well, sometimes I print a few to enjoy myself', is then my standard reply. Lately, I have noticed that more and more people enjoy my photos and that is why.. Read more…