Arado 234

The Arado Ar 234 was the world's first operational jet powered bomber, built by the German Arado company in the closing stages of World War II and was produced in limited numbers. In the field it was used almost entirely in the reconnaissance role, but in its few uses as a bomber it proved to be nearly impossible to intercept.

The Arado Ar-234 was the first purpose-built jet bomber. Although the prototypes were completed largely by the end of 1941, delays in the supply of the engines meant that it was not until July 1943 that the type first flew. By the end of the war, more than 220 of the type had been constructed, although only a small proportion of these had actually entered service. The first of Midland Publishing's new 'Military Aircraft in Detail' series provides a detailed history of the development and operation of the Ar-234, supported by many photos, line drawings, and speciallly commissioned artworks.