Wheels-2-Wings brings you highly detailed recreations of iconic machines found in world-class collections from around the world. Our first series features planes found in The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. The world"s first operational jet fighter, the Me-262 Schwalbe, was powered by two Junkers Jumo 004 B turbine engines and had sleekly swept wings and a powerful armament of four 30-mm cannons. With a top speed of approximately 869.4 kph (540 mph), the 262 was 193.2 kph (120 mph) faster than the famed North American Mustang at the same altitude and, although not so maneuverable, was able to engage in, or retire from, combat at will. The Smithsonian museum"s aircraft was captured at Lechfeld, Germany, by a special USAAF team led by Col. (later Maj. Gen.) Harold M. Watson. Watson directed Operation Lusty, the discovery and seizure of advanced German aircraft. Watson"s men brought the airplanes, including the Museum"s Me-262, to Cherbourg, France, loaded them aboard the British aircraft carrier HMS Reaper, and sailed to the United States. Wheels-2-Wings 1:72 scale Messerschmitt Me 262 - JG 7 (Fighter Wing 7) is constructed in diecast and plastic. The landing gear"s metal struts are constructed as complete subassemblies, and structural detail can be seen inside the wheel wells. Mounted on a solid metal wing, the engine features turbo fan and exhaust details. The access panel at the front of the model is removable, revealing structural details and four highly detailed 30mm cannons. The nose has four cannon ports with shell casing vents, and the metal fuselage features multiple antennas. For ages 14 years old and up.