The Heinkel He 280 was a prototype aircraft developed by the German aviation engineer Ernst Heinkel as one of the first operational jets in history. On January 13, 1942, during test flights in Germany, a notable event occurred when a German test pilot performed the first-ever ejection from a jet fighter. The ejection seat, a groundbreaking innovation, was designed to allow pilots to escape safely from the aircraft in emergencies, particularly essential in high-speed operations where traditional methods of escape were inadequate.

The test flight aimed to push the limits of the He 280's performance, exploring its capabilities as a jet fighter. During high-speed maneuvers, the pilot encountered difficulties that necessitated an emergency ejection scenario. With the ejection seat successfully deployed, the pilot's safe escape symbolized a monumental moment in aviation history, paving the way for future jet fighter designs and safety protocols.

This event was significant not only for its immediate implications but also for its influence on the evolution of ejection seat technology and pilot safety measures in military aircraft. Following this pioneering flight, advancing safety features became a priority in aircraft design, setting the standard for generations of aviation engineers and military planners.