This is one of the first successfully flown JATO (Jet-Assisted-Take-Off) rockets in the U.S. It was used on an Ercoupe light aircraft in tests in 1941 at March Field, California. JATOs shortened distances for takeoffs of planes. The motor was designed and made under the GALCIT Rocket Research Project (Guggenheim Aeronautical Laboratory, California Institute of Technology).
The solid propellant JATO produced 28 pounds of thrust for about 12 seconds. Six units were used in each test of the 750 pound plane. The Ercoupe tests led in 1942 to a U.S. Navy contract with GALCIT and the formation of the Aerojet Engineering Company. The Aerojet General Corporation donated this JATO to the Smithsonian in 1968.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Date
1941
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Rocket Engines
Manufacturer
GALCIT Rocket Research Project (Guggenheim Aeronautical Laboratory, California Institute of Technology)
Dimensions
3-D (note): 41.9 × 9.5 × 14.6cm, 4.8kg (1 ft. 4 1/2 in. × 3 3/4 in. × 5 3/4 in., 10.5lb.)
Storage (Wooden Crate): 105.4 × 125.7 × 157.5cm, 177.8kg (3 ft. 5 1/2 in. × 4 ft. 1 1/2 in. × 5 ft. 2 in., 392lb.)
Materials
Steel
Ceramic
Cadmium Plating
Paint
Inventory Number
A19680556000
Credit Line
Aerojet General Corp.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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