Spectacular rocket assisted take-off

Geoffrey Thomas

By Geoffrey Thomas Mon Sep 23, 2019

This spectacular rocket assisted take-off involves a Lockheed C-130 transport used as a support for the US Navy Blue Angeles. READ: New report critical of pilots of MAX crashes. Rocket assisted take-offs have been around for decades and while mainly used with military aircraft have been used by commercial aircraft, such as the Douglas DC-9. https://www.facebook.com/combatlearjet/videos/386933502202855/?t=0   JATO rockets were used extensively on piston-engined military transports in the 1950s which had limited power.
Image
The Lockheed R6V Constitution JATO powered for take-off because it was underpowered.
The world's first jet airliner the Comet included a provision to carry two JATO rockets and these were tested at hot and high airfields such as Khartoum and Nairobi. But engine upgrades to the Comet rendered them unnecessary  The Boeing 727 also had provision for JATO rockets but they were not used. However, they were fitted and used on the Douglas DC-9.
Image
ONA DC-9 with JATO rockets
       

Have questions or want to share your thoughts?

Comments

No comments yet, be the first to write one.

Latest news and reviews

View more
Lufthansa CityLine ceases operations amid group restructuring
Airline News

Lufthansa CityLine ceases operations amid group restructuring

May 5, 2026

Josh Wood
How could a China Eastern A350 strike a jet bridge in Shanghai?
Airline News

How could a China Eastern A350 strike a jet bridge in Shanghai?

May 5, 2026

Nicholas Ling
BREAKING NEWS: Spirit Airlines collapses and grounds all flights
Airline News

BREAKING NEWS: Spirit Airlines collapses and grounds all flights

May 2, 2026

Josh Wood
Etihad Airways first to fly from Frankfurt’s €4 billion new Terminal 3
Airline News

Etihad Airways first to fly from Frankfurt’s €4 billion new Terminal 3

May 1, 2026

Dev Lunawat

Featured articles

View more
Air New Zealand earns top Seven Star PLUS safety rating
Airline News

Air New Zealand earns top Seven Star PLUS safety rating

Apr 29, 2026

Airline Ratings
Europe is dominated by low-cost carriers, but which one is better?
Airline News

Europe is dominated by low-cost carriers, but which one is better?

Apr 30, 2026

Josh Wood
These airlines have the world’s most cramped economy cabins
Airline News

These airlines have the world’s most cramped economy cabins

Apr 9, 2026

Josh Wood
How could a China Eastern A350 strike a jet bridge in Shanghai?
Airline News

How could a China Eastern A350 strike a jet bridge in Shanghai?

May 5, 2026

Nicholas Ling