A
rocket-powered aircraft or rocket plane is an
aircraft that uses a
rocket engine for
propulsion, sometimes in addition to
airbreathing jet engines. Rocket planes can achieve much higher speeds than similarly sized jet aircraft, but typically for at most a few minutes of powered operation, followed by a
gliding flight. Unhindered by the need for
oxygen from the
atmosphere, they are suitable for very high-altitude flight. They are also capable of delivering much higher acceleration and shorter takeoffs. Many rocket aircraft may be
drop launched from transport planes, as take-off from ground may leave them with insufficient time to reach high altitudes.
