North American, Messerschmitt P-51 Mustang, Me 262 Schwalbe

05 Mar 2026 · © Unknown

The P-51 Mustang in the upper right appears to be in Tuskegee Airmen 'Red Tail' livery. The Me 262 is notable for being the world's first operational jet-powered fighter. Both types are flown today largely by collectors and at commemorative events.

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Aircraft

P-51 Mustang, Me 262 Schwalbe P51, ME262

WWII-era military markings (USAAF and Luftwaffe)

Manufacturer

North American, Messerschmitt

Location

Wittman Regional Airport

OSH/KOSH

43.9844, -88.5570

Open map

Wittman Regional Airport OSH

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

Both the P-51 Mustang and Me 262 were icons of WWII: the P-51 as a premier US long-range escort fighter, and the Me 262 as the world’s first operational jet fighter.

Fleet Rarity

Extremely rare — only a handful of airworthy examples of both types worldwide.

Record Flights

Me 262: First operational jet fighter in combat; P-51: Escorted bombers deep into enemy territory.

Safety & Events

Numerous combat missions and achievements during WWII, now both extremely rare and seen mostly at airshows or museums.

Future Outlook

Most survivors preserved in museums or operated by historical enthusiasts; extremely limited flying examples.

Specifications

Packard V-1650 Merlin (P-51), Junkers Jumo 004 (Me 262)

Engine

11.3 m (P-51), 12.6 m (Me 262)

Wingspan

9.83 m (P-51), 10.6 m (Me 262)

Length

2755 km (P-51), 1050 km (Me 262)

Range

611 km/h (P-51), 800 km/h (Me 262)

Speed

1 pilot (single-seat fighters); often used for air shows

Capacity

4876 kg (P-51), 7045 kg (Me 262)

MTOW

4.17 m (P-51), 3.5 m (Me 262)

Height