Jet-Assisted Take Off
Jet-Assisted Take Off (JATO) is a method used to help aircraft take off more quickly, especially in situations where the runway is short or the aircraft is heavily loaded. It involves attaching small rocket engines to the aircraft, which provide additional thrust during the takeoff phase. This extra power helps the plane reach the necessary speed for lift-off more efficiently.
JATO systems are typically used in military operations or on cargo planes that need to operate from shorter airstrips. The rockets are jettisoned after takeoff, allowing the aircraft to continue its flight using its main engines. This technique enhances operational flexibility in challenging environments.