Dates

Event

Circa 1945

Constructed as a Me-262A-2a.

1945

Taken on Strength/Charge with the Luftwaffe with s/n 500200.

Circa 1945

Messerschmitt Me 262, Black X of II/KG(J)51, was captured at the wars end at Fassberg, Germany. It had been flown from Zatec in Czechoslovakia by Lieutenant Frohlich and surrendered to the British.

Circa 1946

One of nine Me 262s used by the British for evaluation, 500200 was ferried to the UK and then flown by Squadron Leader Tony Martindale and Captain Eric Brown for evaluation and demonstration.

Circa 1946

After evaluation,this aircraft was selected as a gift to Australia, and arrived at RAAF Laverton via Port Melbourne on 22 December 1946.

During restoration, the removal of the 1950s RAAF over-paint revealed firstly the 1945 British Air Ministry P for prototype and serial AIR MIN 81, and under that the original single coat Luftwaffe colours - this is the only Me262 aircraft in the world that is displayed in its original painted colours.

To Australian War Memorial Aircraft Hall, Campbell, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.
View the Location Dossier

Markings Applied: 9K+XK

27 March 2014

Photographer: Terry Fletcher
Notes: Displayed at the Australian National War Museum in Canberra ACT

27 March 2014

Photographer: Terry Fletcher
Notes: Displayed at the Australian National War Museum in Canberra ACT