Crossword Genius

Engineer unclear initially how this provides propulsion (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

launcher

'this provides propulsion' is the definition.
(as in a rocket launcher)

'engineer unclear initially how' is the wordplay.
'engineer' is an anagram indicator.
'initially' suggests taking the first letters.
The first letter of 'how' is 'h'.
'unclear'+'h'='unclearh'
'unclearh' is an anagram of 'LAUNCHER'.

(Other definitions for launcher that I've seen before include "Missile firer" , "Rocket firer" , "starter" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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