* Free masking foil and decal sheets for modelers * Lists of scores, pilot reports and portraits, color profile artworks and maps This book covers the combat history of Me 262s in Defense of the Reich. The Messerschmitt Me 262 Schwalbe ("Swallow") was the world's first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft. Design and development of the aircraft began before World War II, but engine problems meant the aircraft did not reach operational status until the summer of 1944. In combat, when properly flown, it proved to be virtually untouchable and able to outrun its Allied counterparts by as much 100 mph. The Me 262 claimed a total of 509 Allied kills during the course of the war, largely in defense of its own country. Content includes revolutionary design, Kommando Nowotny, Jagdgeschwader 7, March-May 1945. With color artworks, numerous photographs, line drawings and a free decal sheet. About the Series Air Battles is a series of books focusing on World War II air battles of specific aircraft and units. Each volume contains information on the planes involved, lists of scores, pilot reports and portraits, color profile artwork and maps.