The Arado Ar234 was the world’s first operational jet bomber. It was developed in Germany during World War II but production delays meant it had little effect on the outcome of the war.

Development of the Arado Ar234 began in 1940 with the Luftwaffe request for a jet powered reconnaissance aeroplane.

The major delay in the project was its jet engines so the first Ar234 did not fly until 30 July 1943.

Several problems with the first version led to development of the Ar234B fast bomber version which made its first flight on 10 March 1944.

Further improved versions of the Ar234 were planned but not put into production.

A total of 214 were made, some making high speed reconnaissance flights and others used as bombers. However, by 1945 war conditions prevented them from making a useful contribution to the German war effort.

This model represents an Arado Ar234B-2 flown by 8/KG76 in March 1945.

Dragon 1/72 kit with Aeromaster decals competed by Leigh Edmonds in February 2017.