Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet
The Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet is a rocket-powered interceptor aircraft primarily designed and produced by the German aircraft manufacturer Messerschmitt. It is the only operational rocket-powered fighter aircraft in history as well as the first piloted aircraft of any type to exceed 1,000 kilometres per hour (620 mph) in level flight.
Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet
Replica of Opel RAK's Lippisch Ente in Deutsches Segelflugmuseum as the world's first rocket-powered glider
Development of the Me 163
A Me 163's HWK 109-509A engine
A rocket-powered aircraft or rocket plane is an aircraft that uses a rocket engine for propulsion, sometimes in addition to airbreathing jet engines. Rocket planes can achieve much higher speeds than similarly sized jet aircraft, but typically for at most a few minutes of powered operation, followed by a gliding flight. Unhindered by the need for oxygen from the atmosphere, they are suitable for very high-altitude flight. They are also capable of delivering much higher acceleration and shorter takeoffs. Many rocket aircraft may be drop launched from transport planes, as take-off from ground may leave them with insufficient time to reach high altitudes.
Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet, the only operational rocket-powered fighter aircraft
Opel RAK.1 - World's first public manned flight of a rocket plane on September 30, 1929.
A Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka replica at the Yasukuni Shrine Yūshūkan war museum
The X-15's XLR99 rocket engine used ammonia and liquid oxygen.