A rocket propelled aircraft or a rocket plane is an aircraft that uses a rocket motor for propulsion, sometimes in addition to breathing air jet engines. Rocket aircraft can reach much higher speeds than jet planes of similar size, but typically for at least a few minutes of powered operation, followed by a glide. Unobstructed by the need for oxygen in the atmosphere, they are suitable for high altitude flight. They are also capable of offering much higher acceleration and shorter takeoffs.
The rockets have been used simply to assist the main propulsion in the form of jet assisted take-off (JATO) also known as rocket-assisted takeoff (RATO or RATOG). Not all rocket aircraft are conventional take-offs like "normal" aircraft. Some types have been thrown by air from another plane, while others have been lifted vertically: nose in the air and tail-sitters.
Due to the heavy use of propellant and the various practical difficulties of rocket operation, most rocket aircraft have been built for experimental use, such as interceptor fighters and space jets. The rocket flight was a pioneer in Germany. The first plane that flew under the power of the rocket was the Ente Lippisch, in 1928. The Ente had previously been flown as a glider. The following year, in 1929, the Opel RAK.1 became the first rocket aircraft specifically designed to fly.