Gobbs Jet

The Gobbs Jet is a brand-name variety of Vapour pile engine invented by Arkady Gobb and Marquin 'Menno' Flexor. The original model consisted of 3 toroidal xylene chambers, each containing a simple fusion reactor. Inhibitor rods could be inserted into the chambers through control ports on the outside edge when the engine was not in use. Ice crystals are loaded into the central cylinder, and when the reactors reach full power the superheated water expands quickly enough to provide massive thrust.

This original model was manufactured by Gobb and Son Astronautical under the name "Gobb's Jet". However, after Gobb's death it was unclear whether the company, his partner or his son should inherit the legal rights to the trademark. Deciding to capitalise on the brand popularity without risking a costly legal resolution, Menno bought a controlling interest in G+SA and promptly rebranded the firm as United Intrastellar Corporation. The engine, with a few subtle design modifications, was then sold under the name Gobbs Jet, without the apostrophe. Seeking to avoid the possibility of similar legal confusion in the future, Gobb Jr chose not to challenge this use on the condition that the new name was not trademarked.

Now, there are at least 7 companies manufacturing Gobbs Jets, the generic name. Some have only 2 reaction cells, while some have as many as 8, but the general shape and simple manufacturing process remain unchanged from Gobb's original prototype.

Some rumours still survive of a rival engine plan known as a Pinion Racket, invented by Menno to rival the Jet. Those who spread these tales will happily talk of the great engineer's anger when the product ended up famous under his colleague's name only, and his decision to use his technical brilliance to outmatch his friend. However, all evidence suggests that the two always remain good friends, and no known catalogue includes any reference to the mythical Pinion Racket.