The first time American bomber crews encountered the German Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighter in 1944, they were astounded and terrified by its speed. The Me 262 was approximately 150 miles per hour faster than the fastest Allied fighters, making Allied planes feel almost stationary by comparison. The reaction from pilots and ground troops? A mix of fear, awe, and confusion. This was the moment when the face of aerial warfare changed forever. | History In Pictures

Messerschmitt ME 262 - Breathtaking video of an American B17 bomber crew's first encounter with the Messerschmitt Me 262, the world’s first operational jet powered fighter aircraft. One of the crew's says: What was that? What the hell was that?! It went by like we are standing still! As you can hear the jet turbines sound. The Messerschmitt Me 262 was introduced into service in April of 1944. Soon the American and British military staff learned to fear this new German aircraft. Me 262s were extr