High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The Messerschmitt Me 262 Schwalbe ("Swallow") was the world`s first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft. Design work started before World War II began, but engine problems prevented the aircraft from attaining operational status with the Luftwaffe until mid-1944. Compared with Allied fighters of its day, including the jet-powered Gloster Meteor, it was much faster and better armed.