This is a 25ALD-1000 JATO (Jet-Assisted-Take-Off) uncooled liquid fuel rocket motor, developed and constructed by the Aerojet Engineering Corp. for helping to lift heavily loaded U.S. military planes. It used red fuming acid and aniline as the propellants. The thick aluminum combustion chamber absorbed the heat of the firing of the motor.
The original 25AL-1000 motor was Aerojet's first liquid fuel JATO and made the first take-off with liquid-fuel JATO assist in the U.S. in 1943 when two units were installed in the rear of a Douglas A-20A Havoc attack bomber. An improved version of the 25ALD-1000 was used on the B-24, B-25, C-40, and P-38 aircraft. The JATO was donated to the Smithsonian in 1968 by the Aerojet General Corp.
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
ca. 1942-1945
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Rocket Engines
Manufacturer
Aerojet Engineering Corp.
Dimensions
Storage (Artex Crate): 87.6 × 87.6 × 172.7cm (34 1/2 in. × 34 1/2 in. × 68 in.)
Approximate (Weighed with Stand): 182.3kg (402lb.)
Materials
Chamber with adjoining nozzle, aluminum; some piping, aluminum. Tanks, steel; plastic insulation over electrical leads, some splitting of insulation.
Inventory Number
A19680544000
Credit Line
Gift of Aerojet General Corporation
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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