![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Boeing-727-200-1.jpg)
The world of aviation witnessed a unique innovation that seemed straight out of a science fiction novel: Boeing 727-200 airliners equipped with solid rockets for emergency thrust during takeoff at high-altitude airports.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Boeing-727-200-7.jpg)
Only a dozen Boeing 727s were ever fitted with this system, all of which belonged to Mexicana Airlines. Mexicana Airlines had the distinctive advantage of operating on various high-altitude airports in its network.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Boeing-727-200-3.jpg)
However, the 727-200, as originally designed, would have faced payload limitations due to the possibility of an engine failure during takeoff.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Boeing-727-200-2.jpg)
To overcome this issue, Mexicana had to make additional considerations in its operations.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Boeing-727-200-9-scaled.jpg)
Mexicana took delivery of twelve 727-200s that got around this limitation by having a JATO installation in the lower aft fuselage just behind the wings.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Boeing-727-200-4.jpg)
These aircraft could be identified by having a shallow dorsal fairing ahead of the #2 intake that accommodated some of the rerouted avionics and air conditioning ducting that was displaced by the JATO provision.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Boeing-727-200-6.jpg)
The aircraft were unofficially designated 727-200/JATO by Boeing and the rocket installation was intended for emergency use only when flying out of a hot and high airport at maximum gross weight.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Boeing-727-200-8.jpg)
Without the JATO, the airplane would need to carry less weight to ensure it could safely reach altitude in case of engine failure during takeoff.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Boeing-727-200-5.jpg)
By having the JATO provision, Mexicana could operate its 727-200s at full payload. In case of an engine failure past V1, the JATO unit would ignite, enabling the heavily loaded jet to reach a safe altitude and become aerodynamically stable.