1. a jet-assisted takeoff; a rocket-powered device attached to an aircraft to provide additional thrust during takeoff
Usage: acronym for 'jet-assisted takeoff'; technical/aviation term; often used attributively (e.g., 'jato unit', 'jato rocket')

Examples

• The military aircraft used jato units to achieve takeoff from short runways.
• Jato rockets were mounted on the wings to boost the plane's initial acceleration.
• During World War II, jato technology was developed to help heavily loaded bombers take off.
• The pilot activated the jato system as the plane began its takeoff roll.
• Modern aircraft rarely require jato assistance due to improved engine power.