Askyrocket, also known as arocket, is a type offirework that uses asolid-fuel rocket to rise quickly into the sky; abottle rocket is a small skyrocket. At the apex of its ascent, it is usual for a variety of effects (stars, bangs, crackles, etc.) to be emitted. Skyrockets use various stabilisation techniques to ensure the flight follows a predictable course, often a long stick attached to the side of the motor, but also including spin-stabilisation or fins.
These rockets have been made at least since the early decades of the 20th century, and in many countries, including Japan and China. The older type of bottle rocket was typically a black powder skyrocket with an engine about 2 inches (5 cm) long and up to 0.375-inch (9-mm) diameter, mounted on a thin bamboo splint and often having a smallreport charge. Modern bottle rockets are small and very cheap. They are often sold by the box (but more commonly by the pack, or by the gross, a packet of 144 rockets) for less than US$0.20 each.
A bottle rocket consists of three major parts including:
A common misconception about professional fireworks displays is that skyrockets are used to propel the pyrotechnic effects into the air. In reality, skyrockets are more widely used as a consumer item. Professional fireworks displays utilizemortars to fireaerial shells into the air, not rockets.
Bottle rockets are specifically illegal in many jurisdictions, even those where most other consumer fireworks are legal. They are sometimes considered to present a unique hazard, due to their ability to fly in many directions other than vertically.
Bottle rockets are banned under theExplosives Act, thus making importation, possession, transportation, storage or manufacturing illegal inCanada.[1]
In India, bottle rockets are set off during the Hindu festival ofDiwali, and are sold in the millions.
Skyrockets were officially banned in Norway starting from the new years eve of 2008/09. Skyrockets are strictly forbidden, and carry heavy fines for anyone who are caught launching them.
In thePhilippines,Republic Act 7183 was enacted to regulate and to control the sale, distribution, manufacture and use of fireworks and firecrackers forpublic safety.[2] According to the said law, skyrockets (known in the Philippines askwitis) are legal and are designed to propel from 40–50 feet (12–15 m) before exploding.[2][3] Despite being legal, it poses danger to those using it. In 2012, it was recorded that skyrockets were the second most harmful firecracker afterpiccolo.[4]
InThailand'sIsan region, many are made by hand and sold in conjunction withRocket Festivals. The largest bottle rockets used at the festivals areBang Fai rockets which can be up to 20 metres long and charged with up to 500 kg ofblack powder.[5][6]
In theUnited Kingdom firework rockets are sold by weight, e.g.: 4 oz (110 g), 8 oz (230 g), 1 lb. This is not the weight of the rocket itself, but rather of a lead sphere whose diameter matches that of the rocket motor. Rocket weight in the UK is officially defined as "the weight of a lead sphere that isjust supported by a tube that the rocket motor willjust fit into."[citation needed]
