AeroTech RMS-38 Motor Case Sizes: 360 vs 600 vs 1080 N-Sec
By Quest Q-jet | Published: 2026-11-02
Category: Buying Guides
Compare AeroTech RMS-38 motor case sizes 360, 600, and 1080 N-sec. Learn which reload kits and hardware match your rocket, field, and certification level.
Quick answer
Choose the RMS-38 case size that matches your reload kit and certification level: the 360 case for H motors like the H178DM, the 600 case for I motors like the I435T, and the 1080 case when you need the largest 38mm reloads. Buy the case and the corresponding reload kit together to avoid mismatches.
Why case size matters more than case brand
AeroTech RMS-38 hardware is sized to specific reload kits: a 360 case takes RMS-38/360 reloads, a 600 case takes RMS-38/600 reloads, and a 1080 case takes RMS-38/1080 reloads. The case number is not a power rating you can mix and match; it is a physical compatibility code. Buying the wrong size means the reload will not assemble or fly safely.
The reload kit is the consumable that determines motor class and impulse, while the case is the reusable aluminum pressure vessel. That is why the same case can fly different reloads within its size family, but never a reload from another size.
The 360 case: smallest 38mm step
The RMS-38/360 case is the entry point for 38mm reloads. It pairs with reloads such as the AeroTech H178DM-14A, which is an H-class motor. That makes it a natural next step after mid-power flying, but it still requires high-power certification and hardware assembly.
Because the 360 case is shorter and lighter than the larger sizes, it suits rockets with limited motor mount length or flyers who want to keep the motor mass low. The trade-off is that you are limited to reloads made for the 360 case; you cannot later install a 600 or 1080 reload in it.
The 600 case: mid-size 38mm flexibility
The RMS-38/600 case accepts reloads such as the AeroTech I435T-14A, an I-class motor. It sits between the 360 and 1080 in physical size and impulse, making it a common choice for flyers who want more performance than an H motor without jumping to the largest 38mm hardware.
The 600 case is not a compromise on assembly: it uses the same reloadable system and requires the same careful build. Its main trade-off is that it is longer and heavier than the 360 case, so check your rocket's motor mount and recovery space before committing.
The 1080 case: largest 38mm reloads
The RMS-38/1080 case is the largest of the three sizes discussed here. It is designed for reload kits made specifically for the 1080 size, which generally produce more total impulse than 360 or 600 reloads. That can mean higher altitude and speed, but also stricter field and recovery requirements.
This case is not a beginner step. It adds length and mass, and the higher-impulse reloads demand a rocket that is built and certified for that performance. If you are unsure whether your rocket can handle a 1080 reload, start with the 360 or 600 case and gain experience first.
Decision rules for choosing an RMS-38 case size
- Match the case to the reload kit number: Read the reload kit label: if it says RMS-38/360, buy the 360 case; if RMS-38/600, buy the 600 case; if RMS-38/1080, buy the 1080 case. Do not substitute sizes. Write the reload kit number on your shopping list before you buy hardware.
- Start with the smallest case that fits your certification: If you are newly high-power certified, the 360 case with an H reload is the lowest-impulse 38mm option among these three. Move to the 600 case only after you are comfortable with H motors and your rocket has flown reliably. Check your certification level before ordering a case; the reload class must match it.
- Choose the 1080 case only for dedicated high-performance builds: The 1080 case is longer and heavier than the 360 or 600, and its reloads produce more impulse. Use it when your rocket is designed for that performance and your field can support the altitude. Verify motor mount length and recovery space before buying the 1080 case.
- Buy the case and at least one matching reload kit together: A case without a reload cannot fly. Order the case and a reload kit in the same size in one purchase so you can assemble and check fit before your launch day. A case is not flyable alone; pair it with a reload kit of the same size.
Product facts
- AeroTech RMS-38 38mm 1080 N-Sec Aluminum Motor Case - 3810C: For use with all AeroTech RMS-38/1080 high power motor reload kits. This case only accepts 1080-size reloads, so buy it only if you plan to fly that reload family.
AeroTech RMS-38 38mm 1080 N-Sec Aluminum Motor Case - 3810C - AeroTech I435T-14A RMS-38/600 Reload Kit (1 Pack) - 094314: Requires AeroTech RMS-38/600 motor hardware to build and complete the motor. The I435T reload kit is useless without the 600 case, so budget for both together.
AeroTech I435T-14A RMS-38/600 Reload Kit (1 Pack) - 094314 - AeroTech H178DM-14A RMS-38/360 Reload Kit (1 Pack) - 0817814: Requires AeroTech RMS-38/360 motor hardware to build and complete the motor. The H178DM reload kit pairs only with the 360 case, confirming that case size and reload kit must match exactly.
Who should buy which RMS-38 case
Best for
- Flyers who already own or plan to buy reload kits in a specific RMS-38 size
- High-power certified rocketeers moving up from mid-power motors
- Builders who want reusable aluminum hardware instead of single-use motors
Not for
- Beginners without high-power certification
- Flyers who have not chosen a reload kit size yet
- Anyone expecting a case to work with multiple case-size reloads
