Skua (rocket)

Skua is the designation of a British sounding rocket which was launched between 1959 and 1981 in 4 versions over 300 times. The Skua was developed by Bristol Aerojet and RPE Wescott. It consisted of a starting stage made up of several Chick rockets that burned for 0.2 seconds. They propelled the rocket 20 metres over the 5-metre-long launch tube. After that, the Bantam main stage ignited.


Skua rocket on the left, Petrel rocket on the right

Skua 1

  • starting stage: 3 Chick rockets (could be one)
  • payload: 5 kg
  • ceiling: 70 km
  • takeoff thrust: 20 kN
  • takeoff weight: 58 kg
  • diameter: 0.13 m
  • length: 2.24 m

Skua 2

  • starting stage: 4 Chick rockets
  • upper stage: extended Bantam
  • payload: 5 kg
  • ceiling: 100 km
  • takeoff thrust: 27 kN
  • takeoff weight: 68 kg
  • diameter: 0.13 m
  • length: 2.42 m

Skua 3

  • starting stage: 4 Chick rockets
  • payload: 5 kg
  • maximum height: 120 km
  • takeoff thrust: 27 kN
  • takeoff weight: 75 kg
  • diameter: 0.13 m
  • length: 2.80 m

Skua 4

  • starting stage: 4 Chick rockets
  • upper stage: improved Bantam
  • payload: 8 kg
  • maximum height: 140 km
  • takeoff thrust: 27 kN
  • takeoff weight: 83 kg
  • diameter: 0.13 m
  • length: 2.80 m
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