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
The world's best economy class is getting even better
Airline News

The world's best economy class is getting even better

Apr 16, 2026

Sharon Petersen
flyadeal unveils its A330neo cabin configuration
Airline News

flyadeal unveils its A330neo cabin configuration

Apr 15, 2026

Josh Wood
Virgin Atlantic accelerates fleet-wide Starlink rollout
Airline News

Virgin Atlantic accelerates fleet-wide Starlink rollout

Apr 15, 2026

Josh Wood
Qantas’ Project Sunrise a step closer as engines fitted to first A350-1000ULR
Airline News

Qantas’ Project Sunrise a step closer as engines fitted to first A350-1000ULR

Apr 14, 2026

Josh Wood

Featured articles

View more
Air India 787 crash: new evidence seemingly clears pilots
Airline News

Air India 787 crash: new evidence seemingly clears pilots

Apr 13, 2026

Josh Wood
Why Air Europa's economy product should not be forgotten
Airline Ratings review

Why Air Europa's economy product should not be forgotten

Mar 25, 2026

Josh Wood
World's Best Airline Cabin Awards 2026
Airline News

World's Best Airline Cabin Awards 2026

Mar 18, 2026

Airline Ratings
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