British High Altitude Rocket Research Program

A high altitude rocket is being developed in the U. K. by the Ministry of Supply for a joint research program between the Royal Aircraft Establishment and a number of universities. The vehicle is 25 ft long, I7V2 in* in diam and employs a solid propellant motor. When launched near the vertical, it is expected that an altitude of 490,000 ft will be achieved with a payload of 65 lb. Later nights with a boost addition are hoped to reach 700,000-ft altitude. The missile is stabilized by three fins but it is not guided during flight and will carry telemetry, doppler, and beacon tracking equipment in addition to the payload. The first trainable launcher has already been installed at the Australian rocket range at Woomera and firings will begin there early in 1957.