The Me 262 Swallow had a shape ideal for speed, but the Jumo 004 put out 1,980 lbs of thrust. This thrust translated into a top speed of 540 mph, while the Meteor F.8 could manage 598 mph.

The Me 262 was the first operational fighter jet in history, and while it outmatched Allied aircraft, it couldn't turn the tide of the war. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .