Messerschmitt Me 163

The Me 163 Komet was the world's first (and probably the last) rocket-powered fighter aircraft to see service.

The Me 163 was powered by a [hydrogen peroxide]? rocket with a liquid catalyst. This gave it tremendous speed, fully 100 mph faster than any other aircraft of the day.

It was designed as an interceptor?, and used to attack Allied bombers flying to Germany. Allied fighters flying escort had a difficult time engaging the Me 163 because of its high speed. This also worked against the 163, as the pilot had only a brief time to target enemy bombers before zooming past them.

There were several major issues with the design.

• It had very short range, due to the rapid consumption of fuel with the rocket motor.

• Since it was usually out of fuel by the time it was to land, the landing must be made without power. Without means to attempt another approach, the landing must be performed correctly on the first attempt.

• Leftover fuel and catalyst would sometimes cause an explosion on a rough landing.

This is unconfirmed: More pilots were lost due to accidents than to enemy action.