Rocket Motor

General features of solid propellant motors

Almost exclusively used for artillery rockets and tactical missiles; widely used for strategic missiles and space applications

Simple logistics similar to ammunition

- instantaneous readiness for use
- long storage life (> 10 years)
- no maintenance

Low complexity and comparatively low cost

Compact unit

High thrust density (thrust/motor exit cross section - N/m²)

- solid propellant rocket motor:
- ramjet:
- turbojet:
- propeller:

    3 - 8 x 10 ⁶
1.5 - 2 x 10 ⁵
    6 - 9 x 10 ⁴
    1 - 5 x 10 ³

High fuel consumption - short operation (milliseconds to seconds, sometimes minutes)

Best adapted for acceleration to high velocity and/or short sustain operation

Sensitivity to adverse effects (fire, bullet or fragment atA? tack, drop, etc.) with hazards ranging from burning to detonation

Schematic solid propellant rocket motor

Integration into the missile architecture