This is a rocket belt, also called a jet pack, built by the Reaction Motors Division (RMD) of the Thiokol Chemical Corporation, in Denville, New Jersey in 1964. RMD began development of this device in 1958. The first units were propelled by compressed nitrogen gas. The model shown here is a later version that used compressed hydrogen peroxide. Although other firms, such as Bell Aerosystems, also built rocket belts, they did not achieve much success as commercial or military products. RMD's rocket belt was not adopted for use by the military.
The Reaction Motors Division of Thiokol Chemical Corporation gave this rocket belt to the Museum in 1964.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
ca. 1964
United States of America
PROPULSION-Miscellaneous
Thiokol
Approximate (Overall): 68.6 × 63.5 × 43.2cm (27 × 25 × 17 in.)
Overall: 42lb. (19.1kg)
Other (Tank): 13 1/2 × 6 1/2 in. (34.3 × 16.5cm)
Other (Strap): 47 in. (119.4cm)
Storage: 75.6 × 70.5 × 48.9cm (29 3/4 × 27 3/4 × 19 1/4 in.)
Steel
Plastic
Foam
Paint
Natural Fabric
Leather
Aluminum
Copper Alloy
Rubber
Cadmium plating
Adhesive
Paper
A19640689000
Reaction Motors Division, Thiokol Chemical Corp.
National Air and Space Museum
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