Abstract: A nozzle system is provided which comprises a fixed nozzle and a series of movable nozzle cone segments of increasing diameters packaged in a concentric and side-by-side relationship. The movable nozzle cone segments each have aerodynamic drag panels secured to each segment. The drag panels are capable of pulling each nozzle cone segment into a deployed position as the result of impingement of rocket motor combustion gases against the drag panels. With nozzle cone segments in the deployed position, the exhaust area of the nozzle system is greatly increased over the area of the fixed nozzle, resulting in improved performance of the rocket motor.