Despite its advanced rocket design, the Me 163 required extensive ground support for every flight. It was towed to the runway by a Scheuchschlepper using a tow bar, started with an auxiliary unit, and jettisoned its takeoff dolly shortly after liftoff. After a short powered flight it glided back and landed on a skid. Recovery used a specialized lifting vehicle or inflatable wing cushions to move it quickly to the hangar. Refueling the two hypergolic propellants had to be carried out in separate operations with protective gear and continuous water sprays due to their tendency to ignite explosively on contact.