Bachem Ba 349 Natter
The Bachem Ba 349 Natter was a German rocket-powered interceptor of the Second World War, designed by Erich Bachem's company and built largely of wood for vertical launch from a tower. Guided at first from the ground, the pilot was to fire a salvo of unguided rockets at a bomber formation, then be thrown clear to parachute down while the rocket motor fell separately for reuse. The type never saw combat: its sole manned flight killed the pilot, and two examples survive.