Engine cluster propels atlas missile

The powerful propulsion system for the 15,000-mph U.S. Air Force-Convair Atlas intercontinental baUistic missile (ICBM) is a cluster of liquid-propellant rocket engines. It consists of a two-chambered booster engine, a sustainer engine for high-altitude efficiency, and two small stabilizing engines. The system, designed and dveloped for the Atlas missile by Rocketdyne, a Division of North American Aviation, Inc., is in production at the main plant in Canoga Park, Calif.