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This is the Super Sprite, a British liquid propellant JATO (Jet-Assisted-Take-Off) rocket motor, or known to the British as a RATO (Rocket Assisted-Take-Off). It was designed by the De Havilland Engine Company to be either permanently or temporarily fixed on to a military or civilian aircraft for short bursts of extra power. The engine was good for 50 firings.

The Super Sprite had a maximum thrust of 4,200 pounds for 40 seconds, but both the thrust and duration could be adjusted to fit different mission needs. The unit was first used on the Vickers Valliant bomber. In 1955, it also became the first British rocket motor to receive approval for mass production. This engine was donated to the Smithsonian in 1970 by Rolls-Royce Ltd.

 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. 1955-1960 Country of Origin United Kingdom Type PROPULSION-Rocket Engines Manufacturer De Havilland Engine Company, Ltd
 Dimensions Overall: 9 ft. 9 1/4 in. long x 1 ft. 8 1/2 in. diameter, 620 lb. (297.82 x 52.07cm, 281.2kg)
 Materials Stainless Steel
HAZMAT: Cadmium
Non-Magnetic White Metal
Plastic
Paint
 Inventory Number A19700331000 Credit Line Gift of the Ministry of Aviation, United Kingdom Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.