While the Heinkel Wespe never saw active service it was an important precursor to modern-day VTOL aircraft such as the Harrier and the F-35B Lightning II.
Though the Heinkel P. Conceived by the Heinkel company this innovative aircraft was part of the Luftwaffe’s desperate efforts to introduce advanced jet-powered aircraft to counter the growing dominance of Allied air forces. The aircraft was designed to incorporate cutting-edge technology such as a tailless swept-wing configuration and jet propulsion making it one of the more daring proposals of its time.