The Arado Ar 234 was the world's first truly operational jet bomber and made a significant psychological impact on the Allied ground forces in the final stages of the war on the Western Front. Although the Ar 234B-2 bomber variant carried no defensive gun armament, it was able to deliver 1000 kg of bombs at high speed and at either low or high level with considerable and devastating accuracy. III./KG 76 commenced combat missions with the bomber in December 1944 with attacks on rail targets in Liege and Allied troop concentrations in Belgium. The unit would also play a key role in bombing operations during the Battle of the Bulge. As German forces retreated on the Western Front in April 1945, so the Arados were forced back, but they continued with their harassment missions against British ground forces and bridgeheads in northwest Germany. The aircraft also appeared as the world's first reconnaissance jet, undertaking secret, high speed, high altitude observation missions from the summer of 1944 with Kommando Götz and, later, Kommando Sperling. Renowned aviation historians Robert Forsyth and Nick Beale explore the history of this incredible aircraft, from its development to its deployment in both reconnaissance and bomber roles.

The authoritative text is supported by wartime photographs and specially commissioned artwork. Osprey Combat Aircraft Series, Comprehensive histories of fighting aircraft and their crews, highlighting their vital role in the development of warfare in the 20th and 21st centuries, A unique source of information, researched by recognised experts and brought to life by first-hand accounts from the combat veterans themselves, Concise, authoritative text is supported by up to 30 original colour artworks, specially commissioned scale drawings, and the best archival photography from around the world Book jacket.