The Messerschmitt Me 262, Schwalbe, was the world's first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft. Design work started before World War II began, but technical problems and top-level interference kept the aircraft from operational status with the Luftwaffe until mid-1944. The Me 262 was faster and more heavily armed than any Allied fighter, including the British jet-powered Gloster Meteor. It was one of the most advanced aviation designs in operational use during World War II, and operated as a light bomber, reconnaissance and night fighter.