First Jet to see action?

Question

I know people think the Messerschmit 262 was the first to see action but i have a book where it says the British Meteor was also the first?
The same book also says the 262 was?

Answer 1

While the ME 262 was the first to fly, the Gloster Meteor was the first to see combat against enemy aircraft during WWII. The Meteors were flown against V-1 rockets over England in July 1944, while the first active combat use of the ME 262 wasn't until August 1944

Answer 2

The meteor was the first jet aicraft to enter service, but the 262 was without a doubt the first to see combat.
It was only two weeks between the time the meteor entered service and the 262 did, and the 262 saw combat first.
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/messerschmitt_262.htm

Answer 3

It seems to depend a lot how how you define "action". According to other answers the Meteor was used first, against V1 buzz bombs. Now, from my point of view, that doesn't quite qualify as a combat action against an enemy aircraft. The V1 had no pilot, did not perform evasive maneuvers, it could not shoot back, it simply flew fast and level. So it was more of a live fire target practice to me.

Also, I seem to remember reading that the Me262 was used in combat earlier then the official record. Either way, the Messerschidt certainly had a more successful combat career.

The whole Jet race between the British and the Germans went back and forth all the way along. The British built the first engine, the Germans built the first plane, the Brits got into "action" first, the Germans used them effectively first. Then, when it was all over, the US finally got their toe into the pond and just took over. Money talks when you're doing research, and the Americans were happy to spend.

Answer 4

The first reported ALLIED encounter with the 262 was in August, but the Me262 flew in combat in May 1944. The Meteor was reserved strictly for V1 interception, and did indeed engage in July. Regardless, the Me262 was the first jet to engage in air/air combat. The Me163 isn't normally considered, as it was rocket-powered. The danger of which BTW, wasn't that it was unstable-exactly the opposite, it was basically a powered glider, but the incredibly dangerous fuels for its rocket engine.

Answer 5

The Gloster Meteors were the first to see action when they were sent up against the V-1 rockets which heralded the start of the Battle of Britain. The 262s were used as cover for the marauding German aircraft which were sent over England.

Answer 6

i thought even the ME 162/163 came even before the 262 had come out but this little pocket "ROCKET" was unstable but deadly aircraft for both sides really . limited range and volitile fuel mixture made it short lived. but it did see a lot of combat out there