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Hitler's Jet Plane: The ME 262 Story
An expert account with new research of how the Luftwaffe’s first ever military jet plane failed to make its mark on World War II.
The first operational military jet in the world, towards the end of the Second World War the ME 262 was to be the German “miracle weapon.” Mano Ziegler was involved from its inception and contributed to the design, testing, and training and even served in it operationally.
Could the ME 262 have broken the 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? Why did the ME 262 prove not to be the unparalleled success claimed by Goering and why were German cities left dangerously exposed against Allied bombing campaigns? These are only some the important questions this new book answers.
Mano Ziegler, born 7 June 1908, had a lifetime fascination with flight. At the age of eight, he wrote to Manfred Freiherr von Richthofen, the famous “Red Baron,” asking to be allowed to fly with him. Richthofen even replied, telling him, “Yes, we’ll fly together!”
When war broke out in 1939 he became a pilot in the Luftwaffe, and from 1943 until the war’s end, he flew the Me 163. After the war he escaped from Russian captivity and—having returned to Berlin—continued to fly and write newspaper articles. He eventually became editor-in-chief of the Flug-Revue aviation monthly in Stuttgart.
“Superb . . . the histories of these planes are a major milestone in the development of aeronautical technology.” — Military Archive Research
The first operational military jet in the world, towards the end of the Second World War the ME 262 was to be the German “miracle weapon.” Mano Ziegler was involved from its inception and contributed to the design, testing, and training and even served in it operationally.
Could the ME 262 have broken the 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? Why did the ME 262 prove not to be the unparalleled success claimed by Goering and why were German cities left dangerously exposed against Allied bombing campaigns? These are only some the important questions this new book answers.
Mano Ziegler, born 7 June 1908, had a lifetime fascination with flight. At the age of eight, he wrote to Manfred Freiherr von Richthofen, the famous “Red Baron,” asking to be allowed to fly with him. Richthofen even replied, telling him, “Yes, we’ll fly together!”
When war broke out in 1939 he became a pilot in the Luftwaffe, and from 1943 until the war’s end, he flew the Me 163. After the war he escaped from Russian captivity and—having returned to Berlin—continued to fly and write newspaper articles. He eventually became editor-in-chief of the Flug-Revue aviation monthly in Stuttgart.
“Superb . . . the histories of these planes are a major milestone in the development of aeronautical technology.” — Military Archive Research
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2006
183 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Mano Ziegler
10 books4 followersMano Ziegler had a lifetime fascination with flight. At the age of eight, he wrote to Manfred Freiherr von Richthofen, the famous "Red Baron", asking to be allowed to fly with him. Richthofen even replied, telling him, "Yes, we'll fly together!".
At the age of 21, Ziegler took up glider flying. He also pursued his sport of diving and was a core member of Germany's Olympic high-diving team. In 1932 and 1934 he was student world high-diving champion at the world championships in Darmstadt and Turin.
When war broke out in 1939, Ziegler became a pilot in the Luftwaffe, and from 1943 until the war's end he flew the Me 163 with Erprobungskommando 16 (Operational Test Unit 16) and Jagdgeschwader 400 (Fighter Group 400).
After the war, Ziegler escaped from Russian captivity and - having returned to Berlin - continued to fly and write newspaper articles. In Berlin he guested as a high-wire walker with the Camilla Mayer circus troupe, walking the 24-metre high wire - without any prior training - for a newspaper article. He eventually became editor-in-chief of the Flug-Revue aviation monthly in Stuttgart and, as such, made his first supersonic flight in an English fighter aircraft in the spring of 1960.
At the age of 21, Ziegler took up glider flying. He also pursued his sport of diving and was a core member of Germany's Olympic high-diving team. In 1932 and 1934 he was student world high-diving champion at the world championships in Darmstadt and Turin.
When war broke out in 1939, Ziegler became a pilot in the Luftwaffe, and from 1943 until the war's end he flew the Me 163 with Erprobungskommando 16 (Operational Test Unit 16) and Jagdgeschwader 400 (Fighter Group 400).
After the war, Ziegler escaped from Russian captivity and - having returned to Berlin - continued to fly and write newspaper articles. In Berlin he guested as a high-wire walker with the Camilla Mayer circus troupe, walking the 24-metre high wire - without any prior training - for a newspaper article. He eventually became editor-in-chief of the Flug-Revue aviation monthly in Stuttgart and, as such, made his first supersonic flight in an English fighter aircraft in the spring of 1960.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 13, 2021
Hitler's Jet Plane was a somewhat interesting look into the first jet-powered fighter plane.
Author Mano Ziegler had a lifetime fascination with flight. At the age of 21, Ziegler took up glider flying.
When war broke out in 1939, Ziegler became a pilot in the Luftwaffe, and from 1943 until the war's end he flew the Me 163 with Erprobungskommando 16 (Operational Test Unit 16) and Jagdgeschwader 400 (Fighter Group 400).
After the war, Ziegler escaped from Russian captivity and - having returned to Berlin - continued to fly and write newspaper articles.
Mano Ziegler:
The writing here covers the development and implementation of The Messerschmitt Me 262, nicknamed Schwalbe (German: "Swallow") in fighter versions, or Sturmvogel (German: "Storm Bird") in fighter-bomber versions. It was the world's first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft. Design work started before World War II began, but problems with engines, metallurgy and top-level interference kept the aircraft from operational status with the Luftwaffe until mid-1944. The Me 262 was faster and more heavily armed than any Allied fighter, including the British jet-powered Gloster Meteor. One of the most advanced aviation designs in operational use during World War II, the Me 262's roles included light bomber, reconnaissance and experimental night fighter versions.
Me 262 pilots claimed a total of 542 Allied aircraft shot down, although higher claims are sometimes made. The Allies countered its effectiveness in the air by attacking the aircraft on the ground and during takeoff and landing. Strategic materials shortages and design compromises on the Junkers Jumo 004 axial-flow turbojet engines led to reliability problems. Attacks by Allied forces on fuel supplies during the deteriorating late-war situation also reduced the effectiveness of the aircraft as a fighting force. Armament production within Germany was focused on more easily manufactured aircraft. In the end, the Me 262 had a negligible impact on the course of the war as a result of its late introduction and the consequently small numbers put in operational service.
While German use of the aircraft ended with the close of World War II, a small number were operated by the Czechoslovak Air Force until 1951. It also heavily influenced several designs, such as the Sukhoi Su-9 (1946) and Nakajima Kikka. Captured Me 262s were studied and flight-tested by the major powers, and ultimately influenced the designs of post-war aircraft such as the North American F-86 Sabre, MiG-15 and Boeing B-47 Stratojet. Several aircraft survive on static display in museums, and there are several privately built flying reproductions that use modern General Electric J85 engines.
A Messerschmitt Me 262 A-1a late production model:
Ziegler's writing also mentions a few notable flying aces, as well as details some accounts of pilots flying these planes in combat.
Unfortunately, I found much of the writing here to be pretty dry and unengaging. I didn't really like the style that the book was presented in...
*****************
Sadly, despite fielding an interesting historical story, I did not find the telling of it up to the task here. I found much of this writing to miss the mark. This could quite possibly be a subjective thing, as I am very particular on how readable a book is.
2.5 stars for this one.
Author Mano Ziegler had a lifetime fascination with flight. At the age of 21, Ziegler took up glider flying.
When war broke out in 1939, Ziegler became a pilot in the Luftwaffe, and from 1943 until the war's end he flew the Me 163 with Erprobungskommando 16 (Operational Test Unit 16) and Jagdgeschwader 400 (Fighter Group 400).
After the war, Ziegler escaped from Russian captivity and - having returned to Berlin - continued to fly and write newspaper articles.
Mano Ziegler:
The writing here covers the development and implementation of The Messerschmitt Me 262, nicknamed Schwalbe (German: "Swallow") in fighter versions, or Sturmvogel (German: "Storm Bird") in fighter-bomber versions. It was the world's first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft. Design work started before World War II began, but problems with engines, metallurgy and top-level interference kept the aircraft from operational status with the Luftwaffe until mid-1944. The Me 262 was faster and more heavily armed than any Allied fighter, including the British jet-powered Gloster Meteor. One of the most advanced aviation designs in operational use during World War II, the Me 262's roles included light bomber, reconnaissance and experimental night fighter versions.
Me 262 pilots claimed a total of 542 Allied aircraft shot down, although higher claims are sometimes made. The Allies countered its effectiveness in the air by attacking the aircraft on the ground and during takeoff and landing. Strategic materials shortages and design compromises on the Junkers Jumo 004 axial-flow turbojet engines led to reliability problems. Attacks by Allied forces on fuel supplies during the deteriorating late-war situation also reduced the effectiveness of the aircraft as a fighting force. Armament production within Germany was focused on more easily manufactured aircraft. In the end, the Me 262 had a negligible impact on the course of the war as a result of its late introduction and the consequently small numbers put in operational service.
While German use of the aircraft ended with the close of World War II, a small number were operated by the Czechoslovak Air Force until 1951. It also heavily influenced several designs, such as the Sukhoi Su-9 (1946) and Nakajima Kikka. Captured Me 262s were studied and flight-tested by the major powers, and ultimately influenced the designs of post-war aircraft such as the North American F-86 Sabre, MiG-15 and Boeing B-47 Stratojet. Several aircraft survive on static display in museums, and there are several privately built flying reproductions that use modern General Electric J85 engines.
A Messerschmitt Me 262 A-1a late production model:
Ziegler's writing also mentions a few notable flying aces, as well as details some accounts of pilots flying these planes in combat.
Unfortunately, I found much of the writing here to be pretty dry and unengaging. I didn't really like the style that the book was presented in...
*****************
Sadly, despite fielding an interesting historical story, I did not find the telling of it up to the task here. I found much of this writing to miss the mark. This could quite possibly be a subjective thing, as I am very particular on how readable a book is.
2.5 stars for this one.
June 1, 2020
Informative
Ziegler's book is often difficult to read as it was either poorly written or poorly translated. The author's cheering on the Reich was a bit disconcerting while not mean-spirited.
Ziegler's book is often difficult to read as it was either poorly written or poorly translated. The author's cheering on the Reich was a bit disconcerting while not mean-spirited.
November 15, 2016
Really interesting story of the politics surrounding the whole air war in Germany, but specifically the ME-262 and the political set backs which in retrospect helped us win the war.
November 18, 2020
For WWII Aviation buffs
A very good first person story of the ME 262! From development to combat missions toward the end of the war.
A very good first person story of the ME 262! From development to combat missions toward the end of the war.
February 11, 2024
This a well documented book regarding the amazing ME262, one of the Third Reich’s wonder weapons. There are so many different variances between attack/bomber or defensive weapon that hinged on the needs of the survival of Germany during World War II, the ability to produce and maintain the aircraft, overcoming shortages of pilots and supplies and, finally, whose will won when deciding what was to be done. I was amazed that the ME262 was used as much as it was as well at war’s end as well as the belief that it would have been a real game changer if Germany would have milked the war a little longer. But it was only 4 of a kind compared to a Royal Flush when the odds were truly against the Third Reich. A terrific historical tale that is well written.
February 15, 2024
Interesting work about the Luftwaffe's ME262 jet fighter, the first one to be used in combat. As many of the memoirs from Nazi soldiers I've seen, they're not too concerned about the politics, but focus o the military aspects.
And those are quite fascinating; there's (not enough I´d say) discussion about the technical side of production of the ME262 (since I know so little about!) but a lot about the troubles of creating the plane, the fights with Hitler (who insisted on only a bomber-role for the plane), and finally some success as a fighter, in the waning days of the war, when any thought of German victory was long gone.
Also some fascinating reports from the actual missions, sometimes even from both the German and allied side.
And those are quite fascinating; there's (not enough I´d say) discussion about the technical side of production of the ME262 (since I know so little about!) but a lot about the troubles of creating the plane, the fights with Hitler (who insisted on only a bomber-role for the plane), and finally some success as a fighter, in the waning days of the war, when any thought of German victory was long gone.
Also some fascinating reports from the actual missions, sometimes even from both the German and allied side.
January 9, 2020
This is a fascinating book about the world's first jet fighter aircraft, Hitler's stupid decision that it must be developed as a bomber and not used as a fighter, the tragic dying days of the Third Reich and the incredibly brave German pilots who flew the aircraft against overwhelming odds, sometimes to face almost certain death. The ME 262 must have been a handful to fly with the prospect of a flame out by the turbines and other mechanical and design problems. The pilots often went into battle with little or no instruction into how to fly the aircraft. The mechanics too, who had to patch up and get the aircraft into a serviceable condition also need recognition as the jet engines needed frequent servicing, including rebuilding. All the world's air forces were working on jet powered fighters late in the war and when the US put an ME 262 up against their latest jet aircraft ,the German clearly out performed it as it had been estimated that the German's were two years ahead at that time, so for the Allies, Hitler's decision effectively shortened the war.
July 7, 2025
It is a book that struggles to position itself between a serious documentary of the story of Me-262, and a popular history based in anecdotes type of read. The former it is not, the latter only briefly covers characters from the Third Reich, which readers not familiar with the history of the period will find confusing. Only finished it as I got the book from the local library, but if you are looking for a comprehensive history of the Luftwaffe's jet fighter then look elsewhere.
August 13, 2020
Good info on the German jet fighter
A good background on the development and deployment the Me262. Luckily the deployment was poorly organized and mitigated the aircraft's effectiveness
A good background on the development and deployment the Me262. Luckily the deployment was poorly organized and mitigated the aircraft's effectiveness
November 30, 2020
A very fun bit of military aviation history
A very fun bit of military aviation history: the story of the first operational jet fighter, how it was born, how it was used and why it didn't make the impact.
A very fun bit of military aviation history: the story of the first operational jet fighter, how it was born, how it was used and why it didn't make the impact.
June 18, 2021
Ziegler did a good job navigating the complexities of the end-of-the-war weapons development in the Third Reich combined with the struggles to operationalize a new piece of equipment. Interesting read, especially given the dearth of records from the time.
June 29, 2021
Detailed and Gripping
An excellent overview of the Me 262 project, the jet's applications, it's superior abilities, it's short comings and the many accounts of the bravery exhibited by the pilots that flew them.
An excellent overview of the Me 262 project, the jet's applications, it's superior abilities, it's short comings and the many accounts of the bravery exhibited by the pilots that flew them.
September 23, 2020
excellent
Read
September 26, 2020Fascinating history on the ME 262 from the inside. Thankfully Hitler was an idiot or the allies would have been in big trouble with their bombing campaign.
October 4, 2022
A fascinating description of the politics and incompetence of the German high command which surrounded the development and deployment of this ground breaking aircraft.
September 28, 2023
Brief but interesting basic information on the jet that could have made a greater impact on the war had its development not been delayed.
June 12, 2019
Excellent read - to think that German ME262 were flying over Europe after the end of hosilities.
December 9, 2022
jets nowadays fly no quickly. unless I’m mistaken. a great read
Jet aircraft changed the world for ever. The science behind it. Enthralling worth a read. Last chapter. As good as the first
Jet aircraft changed the world for ever. The science behind it. Enthralling worth a read. Last chapter. As good as the first
June 3, 2015
The best book ever on the legendary Me 262. This book is full of interesting facts, and the history and politics behind this great aircraft. The book is also complete with first-person accounts of combat and baleouts that make you feel as if you are flying the aircraft yourself! Strongly recommend to aircraft enthusiasts!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews