Germany built the first jet-powered aircraft to fly, the Heinkel He 178, which made its first flight in 1939.
The Heinkel He 178 flew on August 27, 1939, at Heinkel's facility in Rostock-Marienehe. German test pilot Erich Warsitz conducted the flight, using the Heinkel HeS 3 turbojet designed by Hans von Ohain. The aircraft was developed as a privately funded experimental project driven by Ernst Heinkel's interest in high-speed aviation.
The He 178's flight was a major technological milestone, but the aircraft was not ready for practical military service. Its engine produced limited thrust, and its range was short. The German Air Ministry showed little interest in putting the design into production, although later German work led to more advanced jet aircraft such as the Heinkel He 280 and Messerschmitt Me 262.
A frequent mix-up is naming Britain, whose Gloster E.28/39 first flew in 1941 and helped develop British jet aviation. Italy and the United States also pursued jet technology, but Germany achieved the first actual jet-powered aircraft flight in 1939.