The first rockets were used by the Chinese over 1,000 years ago. Until artillery became accurate, the rocket was the most used weapon of range on the battlefield. Rickets also were the inspiration for Francis Scott Key to pen the Star Spangled Banner that became the U.S. National Anthem. In the 1930's in Germany 'rocket scientists' were looking at developing system for space travel. They were co-opted for military use in World War II with the result the V1 and V2 rockets that Germany used against London and Allied field forces. These rockets became the foundation for America's rocket forces and space program post was. The rocket engine also ushered in the jet fighter during World War II with the Me 262 being the most well-known. The British fielded the Meteor jet near the end of the war. The U.S. entered the jet age in 1942 with the Bell X-59 but did not make a production run for the war. The use of rocket engines during World War II changed both military and civilian aviation.