Pyrotechnic Free Ignition of RATTWorks Hybrid Rocket Motors

Standard ignition of RATTWorks monotube U/C valve type hybrids is with a APCP "preheater". This slice of rocket fuel is ignited inside the motor, melts through the nylon fill tube and heats the N20 to its decomposition temperature, and the motor is initiated. Ammonium Perchlorate Composite Propellant is a regulated substance, therefore, a non-regulated method of firing the motor is desirable.

Many launches already have hybrid Ground Support Equipment, (GSE) available. Usually it is capable of firing HyperTEK hybrid motors, using a pyro free system that fires a high voltage arc in the presence of gaseous oxygen. If you have a system available with HV and GOX, it is easy to adapt to fire RATT motors in a reliable, pyro free manner. The pictures below illustrate how this is done using the RATT K-240.

#1 Grain in position showing spacing. You should ensure the GOX tube will not push the tape off the fill tube when it is fully inserted	#2 Closeup of AWG22 wire taped to fill tube. About 2 inches of fill tube should be exposed
#3 the grain sits on the GOX stem like this	#4 you should use at least 32 inches of nylon tube for easy assembly. You need to make sure the floating injector is not pushed off of the grain while you feed the fill tube through the GOX "stinger"
#5 in the field, motor installed	#6 fill tube feeds through GOX stem
#7 on pad, ready to raise	#8 ready for launch!