The Me-163 �Komet� wound up being the only real operational rocket-powered fighter aircraft during WWII. The Me-163 �A� project code called �Project X� started in 1937 under Dr. Alexander Lippisch. It absolutely was made for protection purposes utilizing rocket machines. Initial Me-163 travelled in 1941. There have been fuel usage and engine efficiency problems, which limited its range. In August 1943, the Me-163 B was made with further improvements. Production started in July 1944 and a total of 279 was in fact sent to the Luftwaffe.