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National
Air and Space
Museum
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Arado Ar 234B-2
Blitz (Lightning)
The Ar 234 Blitz was the world's first operational jet
bomber and reconnaissance aircraft. It was powered by two Junkers Jumo
004 B turbojets. Development began in 1940. The Air Ministry ordered 200
Ar 234 Bs and the airframes were completed in late 1942, but the first
Ar 234 did not fly until 30 July 1943 because Messerschmitt aircraft took
priority and claimed all flight-ready engines.
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This is the sole surviving example of an Ar 234. The Museum's Blitz, an
Arado Ar 234 B-2 bomber, was one of nine Ar 234s surrendered to British
forces at Sola airfield near Stavanger, Norway. |
