This footage shows ground testing for a German Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet during WW2. It was the only operational rocket-powered fighter plane ever built. The unprecedented design produced speed ...

The Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet was part of Nazi Germany's "Wunderwaffen" or "Wonder Weapon" program, but fizzled out before it made any real impact on the war.

Between July and October of 1941, the Komet, fitted with Walter’s improved R II-203b rocket motor producing 1,635 lb of thrust, flew powered trials at Peenemünde.

Key point: Like many other over-hyped German wonder weapons, the Komet was revolutionary but not practical.Overengineered and full of problems, it was too fast and only had 7 minutes worth of fuel.

The Komet’s design was revised for mass production in the Me 163B. A tiny propeller added on the tip of the nose generated electricity for the Komet’s avionics.

The National Archives identifies the ill-fated fighter plane that passes by and harasses one P-38 as a German ME 163B “Komet,” an unusual and unstable rocket-powered defensive aircraft ...