The Jumo 004 powered the world's first operational jet fighter, the Messerschmitt Me 262. The engine's development began in 1937, but large-scale production did not begin until late 1944. By the time Germany surrendered in May 1945, more than 5,000 engines had been produced.
The Jumo 004 was first flight tested in March 1942, mounted on a Messerschmitt Me 110 aircraft. The engine had an eight-stage axial flow compressor, six straight-through combustion chambers and a single-stage turbine. In its final production form, it developed a thrust of 1,980 pounds. In addition to the Me 262, this engine powered the Arado Ar 234 series of bomber-reconnaissance aircraft. Both aircraft used two engines.
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