Rocket engine, made for Black Knight research rocket

This liquid propellant Gamma Mark 304 rocket engine was made in 1964 by Bristol Siddeley Ltd and developed for the Black Knight ballistic trajectory research rocket. The Black Knight was an atmospheric research rocket programme to establish the correct shape for a ballistic re-entry vehicle for Blue Streak. The fuel used to power the Black Knight was high-test peroxide (HTP) and kerosene.

The engine comprises four separate combustion chambers, each capable of moving outwards to provide directional thrust. The entire engine is encased in the aluminium structure of the lower first stage of the Black Knight. Attached is one of four directional stabilisers. The conical object on top of the stabiliser contained a transponder. The opposite fin carried a dummy transponder for weight purposes.

The Gamma 304 was the powerplant of the first stage of the two-stage Black Knight rocket. The rocket was, in terms of objectives achieved, Britain's most successful rocketry programme. It was also Britain's first indigenous rocket programme.

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Online ID:	000-190-004-366-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland T.1974.113
Date:	1964
Material:	Perspex. Inscription: Gamma type 4 high performance destination engine both for Gamma type 8 and Gamma type 2. Thrust 25, 000 lb sea level Pro
Dimensions:	1.60 M H x 0.92 M D
What:	Rocket engine
Subject:
Who:	Black Knight (Engine developed for this research rocket) Bristol Siddeley Ltd (Maker)
Where:	England
Event:
Description:	Liquid propellant Gamma Mark 304 rocket engine by Bristol Siddeley Ltd and developed for the Black Knight research rocket, 1964
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