Messerschmitt P.1101

The Messerschmitt P.1101 was a German fighter designed during World War II as an evolution of the Me 262. Although never completed, the P.1101 had innovative features such as variable geometry wings.  The prototype, which reached an estimated speed of 890 km/h, was discovered by US forces in 1945 and sent to the USA.The data collected led to the creation of the Bell X-5, the first aircraft to successfully utilise variable-geometry wing technology, profoundly influencing the future of jets.