The Me 262 was the world’s first operational military jet. Hitler believed that it would become Germany’s ‘miracle weapon’ and took a great personal interest in its development. Pilot Mano Ziegler was involved from its inception and contributed to its design and testing.
Could the Me 262 have broken Allied supremacy in the air? Why did it take so long to come into service and why were hundreds of German pilots sacrificed in developing it? Most important of all, why did the Me 262 prove not to be the unparalleled success that Goering claimed it would be and what role did Hitler play in this ultimate failure? These are some of the questions this compelling book answers.
“Written by someone who was closely involved with its design and testing.”
Aeroplane Monthly
“A most comprehensive account of the ME 262, from the initial development stages through to its belated entry into service during the final months of 1944.”
Pegasus Archive
“Hitler’s Jet Plane is an absorbing book…All in all, it has to be said what a good book Herr Ziegler wrote. His expertise with the Messerschmitt ME 163 gave him the knowledge to write it.”
WW2 Connection
Andrew Kitney (Flight Line Book Review) –
“Me262 Hitler’s Jet Plane is very readable and a fascinating account told on several levels, as you’d expect written by a test pilot. Even if the Me 262 is not your thing, the insight into the German war machine and military command makes it very much worth your while.”
HistoryBookChat –
“The fact that this book looks at the story from the views of those involved, made for especially interesting reading. The author’s narrative has benefited from his own flying experience as well as knowing some of those he interviewed. This is a perfect companion for those more technical books on this aircraft and the history in general of jet-powered aircraft.”
Aeromodeller (December 2023) –
“A compelling book that I found difficult to put down.”