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Ask an Explainer

Q:

Is it possible to use a rocket jet on an airplane?

A:

Yes, and it was actually done in World War II by the Germans. Jet engines and rocket engines are very similar. The main difference is that rocket engines bring their oxidizer along, while jet engines use the air in our atmosphere. Putting a rocket on a plane is risky and poses design challenges, which is why you almost never see it done!

 

 

Ask an Explainer
Posted on February 8, 2016 at 10:51 am
Categories:
Propulsion
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