The Me 163 was the only rocket powered aircraft to see operational service and its performance speed reached 698 miles per hour. This was colossal at the time of 1944.
The small odd looking craft used special fuel and the pilot was surrounded by the extremely corrosive and volatile mixture. Many test pilots were killed by tank ruptures when fuel spilt over them.
As a fighter, the Komet Me 163 was ineffective. The craft only scored 16 victories for 10 losses. Over 300 were built and many of these were divided among the allied forces when the air fields were over run by the enemy. There are many on display in museums around the world including the UK. I have seen one at an aircraft museum.
Above is footage of the Me 163 and an interview with a British test pilot who flew a captured Me 163.
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