This is a 4AS-1000 Mk. 2 JATO (Jet-Assisted-Take-Off) rocket motor, developed and constructed by the Aerojet Engineering Corporation for helping to lift heavily loaded planes and for rescue work. The motor produced 1,000 pounds of thrust for four seconds. The 4AS-1000 dates to 1953, and was a modification of the 14AS-1000. Due to its short duration, the 4AS-1000 was not as widely used as the standard 14AS-1000.
When the 4AS-1000 appeared, Aerojet was becoming one of the world's leading developers and producers of liquid and solid fuel rocket motors for a wide variety of applications, from boosters, to missile power plants, sounding rocket motors, and launch vehicle engines, plus many miscellaneous applications.
Aerojet General donated this JATO Unit 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
1953
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Rocket Engines
Manufacturer
Aerojet Engineering Corp.
Dimensions
Overall: 35 in. long x 10 in. diameter (88.9 x 25.4cm)
Other (exhaust throat): 2 in. diameter (5.08cm)
Materials
Overall, steel
Inventory Number
A19680557000
Credit Line
Gift of the Aerojet General Corporation
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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