RATO Booster Motors

Since 1962, Magellan Aerospace has successfully developed and introduced more than 20 solid propellant rocket motor types and produced over 10 million pounds of composite propellant. 

From our original booster motor, the CL-289 to the MQM-107 to today’s BQM-167, our product line has technologically evolved to meet the changing needs of our customers. Historically, these booster motors were designed for a particular product, usually an aerial target or reconnaissance drone. Today, our engineers take a customer’s high-level requirements and apply them to unique applications, adapting an existing rocket motor for a specific mission or providing them with the technology to create their own.

Booster Motor Spin Lining

Booster Motor Spin Lining

Features

  • Low-smoke, case-bonded composite HTPB propellant
  • Flow-formed aluminum alloy case with non-asbestos insulation and liner system
  • Molded glass-phenolic nozzle with a pressure diaphragm, weatherseal and bonded graphite throat
  • Permanently mounted head-end igniter using 60g of BPN pyrotechnic
  • Fin attachment ring for mounting four booster motor fins (CL-289 only)
  • Cork-phenolic external insulation for protection from jet engine exhaust (MQM-107 only)
Booster Motor Casting

Booster Motor Casting

Product Line

CL-289 RATO

Designed and developed by Magellan in the 1980s for the CL-289 reconnaissance drone, more than 3,500 CL-89 and CL-289 booster motors were manufactured for the German and French armed forces. Exceptionally reliable, over 2,000 motors were delivered for military training and have been used during NATO operations since the 1990s without a single reported failure.

CL-289 Booster Motor

CL-289 Booster Motor

MQM-107 RATO

In 2009, Magellan was contracted by the US Army to deliver multiple batches of MQM-107 RATO booster motors. The technology behind the CL-289 booster motor was adapted, with electrical and mechanical interface modifications, to develop the MQM-107 for compatibility with the MQM-107 Aerial Target Drone. 

MQM-107 Booster Motor

MQM-107 Booster Motor

Booster Motor Launch

Booster Motor Launch

BQM-167

Our newest booster motor, BQM-167 was based on technology developed for CL-289 and MQM-107 RATO booster motors. It’s been adapted to meet the requirements of the BQM-167A subscale aerial target system and deployed by the US Air Force. BQM-167 remains Magellan’s bestselling booster motor.  

Contact

Ken Kohut Marketing Manager ken.kohut@magellan.aero