Boeing 727 Rocket Takeoff
For a time, Mexicana operated a small fleet of Boeing 727s with rockets. Known as rocket assisted takeoff, or “RATO”, these provided supplemental thrust in the event of an engine failure during takeoff. The combination of high-altitude and high temperatures at many of the airports serviced by Mexicana created conditions that otherwise have limited payload to ensure the necessary climb performance would be met.
Topics Related To: AVIATION HISTORY
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