Model Rocket Engine Naming Convention

The name designation for a model rocket engine is based on the engine classification, the amount of thrust it produces, and the delay between burnout and the ejection charge ignition.

For an example, a B6-4 model rocket engine would be:

  • Class B (see the B-class engine definition, 2.51 to 5.00 Newton-Seconds of impulse)
  • Provide 6 Newtons of thrust
  • 3 second delay from burnout to the ejection charge

Please note that the last number can have a few variations:

  • P means that the engine is plugged and there is no ejection charge.
  • A value of 0 (zero) indicates this is a booster engine for a multi-stage model rocket.

Additional Nomenclature for Aerotech Engines

Model rocket engines from Aerotech have an additional field in their name.

For an example, a D15-7T Reload Kit 24/40 model rocket engine would be:

  • Class D (see the D-class engine definition)
  • Provide 15 Newtons of thrust
  • 7 second delay from burnout to the ejection charge

In addition, the letter T after the 7 comes is the propellant type:

  • R : White Lightning Propellant
  • J : Black Jack Propellant
  • T : Blue Thunder Propellant
  • W : White Lightning Propellant

The 24/40 indicates the type of Reloadable Motor System required.

  • 24 indicates a 24mm system
  • 40 indicates the maximum thrust of reloadable motor

Related Topics