The rocket engine is one of the most important parts of your rocket for
obvious reasons. There are 4 main types:
- Black Powder - These are the most common types of rocket engines and are mainly
used for model rocketry. There are2 main companies manufacturing these, Estes and
Quest Aerospace. Only Estes are available in the UK, Quest dont seem to export their engines
to the UK. They are fairly similar in power and size.
- Ammonium Perchlorate - AP engines as they are commonly referred to are mainly used
in mid and high powered rocket engines. These are a totally solid based rocket fuel and are
classified by HSE as explosives. They don't explode unless contained, they just
burn fast.
- Hybrid - These engines work on a part solid, part liquid/gas mix of fuels. The
liquid/gas is normally Nitrous Oxide. The solid part of the fuel can be made from a variety
of materials, however it is typically a form of synthetic rubber/PVC.
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Black Powder rocket motors, the most common type are sold in their millions
every year to hobbyists around the world. Estes manufacturer engines in the A to E sizes.
However the E engine is not covered under the same pyrotechnic exemption
in the UK as A to D are. The E engine is therefore subject to the POMSTER law. As the E
engine is not currently CE marked, it is therefore illegal in the UK unfortunately. |
Black Powder engines are typically sold in packs of 3 or 4 and cost
approximately £5 - £10 per pack depending upon size. The engines are lit using small igniters
provided with the engines.
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