The Me 262 was one of the most technically advanced aircraft of its time and had a significant influence on the further development of jet-powered fighter aircraft after the Second World War. Many of the most famous and successful Luftwaffe pilots such as Johannes Steinhoff, Walter Nowotny, and Adolf Galland flew the Me 262.

In 1993, the reproduction of five units began in the USA with the help of drawing fragments and an original two-seater training machine, which served as a sample.

All parts had to be newly manufactured; no original parts were used. Equipped with modern engines and modern subsystems from American production, the first aircraft from the new series then flew for the first time on 20th December 2002 in Seattle, WA. The Messerschmitt Foundation aircraft had its maiden flight on 15th August 2005 in Seattle, WA. After a short flight it was disassembled, packed, and shipped by air to Manching, its new home base. After reassembly and ground testing, it flew for the first time on 25th April 2006 under the hands of Horst Philipp.