How are rocket motors ignited?
Model rocket motors are always fired electrically, by means of a launch controller and an ignitor. The ignitor consists of a short length of wire with a tiny blob of a pyrogenic material stuck to it. This is inserted into the nozzle of the rocket motor and secured with a small plug. The two ends of the wire are attached with crocodile clips to the wires coming from the launch controller, which has a battery and a safety switch along with the actual ignition button. When the launch button is pressed, a current passes through the ignitor causing the wire to heat up, which in turn ignites the pyrogen. This short burst of flame ignites the motor. There are several variations on the theme, including ignitors using a small black powder charge, and even the use of photographic flashbulbs, but the main idea is to allow a safe distance between the rocket motor and the operator. You should never try to light a motor by using a lighter or matches etc…….you will regret it. Where can you fly mo
