Today In History:  28 July  [0000]   --  The first operational use of the Me 163 Komet rocket fighter

The first operational use of the Me 163B Komet rocket fighter occurs by units of JG 400 in defense of the Leuna synthetic fuel facilities, the Third Reich's largest synthetic fuels complex. The Komet 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.

PHOTO: Typical appearance of a Komet after landing, waiting for the airfield's Scheuch-Schlepper tractor and lifting trailer to tow it back for reattachment of its "dolly" maingear.

Photo Attribution:  Public Domain  via Wikimedia. Australian armed forces
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