The Heinkel He 280 was a German jet fighter developed during World War II. It was the world's first operational jet fighter, taking its maiden flight in 1941. Designed by Hermann Göring, the aircraft featured a sleek, aerodynamic shape and was powered by two Jumo 004 engines, allowing for impressive speed and maneuverability. Despite its advanced design, the He 280 faced challenges in production and was ultimately overshadowed by the more famous Messerschmitt Me 262. Only a small number of prototypes were built, and the aircraft never saw combat, marking it as a significant yet underutilized innovation in aviation history.