Rocket Motors

 

 

 

MK-66/MK-40 Rocket Motors

The MK 66 rocket motor was designed to provide a common 2.75-inch rocket for helicopters and high-performance aircraft. Compared to the MK 40 motor, it has a longer tube, an improved double base solid propellant, and a different nozzle and fin assembly. Increased velocity and spin provide improved trajectory stability for better accuracy. The launch signature and smoke trail have been significantly reduced. MK66 motors' longer motor tube is of a different aluminum alloy than the MK-40, and is assembled with a new fin and nozzle assembly. The fins are of a spring loaded, wrap around design, and are attached around the circumference of the single nozzle. The propellant grain is longer and of a different formulation than that of the MK40, however, the stabilizing rod and igniter are essentially the same design. The MK66 motors have a substatially higher thrust, 1335 lbs, and a longer range than the older motors. The current generation of the MK66 in use by the U.S. Armed Services are the MK66 MOD 3 for the Army, and the MK66 Mod 2 for the Air Force, Navy, and Special Operations Force.