An experimental method is proposed for fracture characterization of solid propellants. Regarding non linear behaviour of such material, investigation is restricted to high loading rate conditions and J Ic fracture criterion is computed. A tensile split Hopkinson bar device was set up and fitted to experiments up to strain rate of 300 s −1. Axisymmetric samples of various crack length was tested allowing J Ic computation using Begley-Landes method. Results are then analysed and special attention is given to validity of L.E.F.M. assumptions in this case.