Model Rocket Engines

Model rockets are powered by solid rocket engines that range in power for varying heights. Engines range from rating A-F. Rocket motors with rating of "A" have the lowest height due to a short burn time. Today's model rocket engines are made commercially using black powder. Rocket engines that range from D-F are produced using composite materials such as ammonium perchlorate, potassium nitrate, aluminum powder, and contained in a hard plastic case to keep the pressure of the motors from exploding through the body tube of the rocket. These model rocket engines are very similar to the solid rocket boosters that lift the space shuttle. Rocket engines have varying thrusts and ejection charge delays. The ejection charge is what pushes the rocket wadding upward to eject the recovery device (parachute or streamer).