The ignition overpressure wave generated during the pressure build-up of a solid-rocket motor is numerically investigated in this study. Numerical simulations are compared to the LP10 experiments, consisting of the horizontal firing of a scaled-down model for the Ariane 5 P230 booster. The present work aims at the prediction of the main characteristics of the ignition overpressure in the far field and the assessment of afterburning influence on both its formation mechanisms and its alteration by the jet plume. Two three-dimensional large-eddy simulations are performed, one considering inert flow and one modeling the afterburning. Infrared images of the plume are also computed with a dedicated radiation transfer solver. An overall good agreement with the experimental results is reported on amplitude and duration. Nevertheless, the reactive case is found to provide better results on amplitude and directivity. The signature is also better reproduced on the microphones near the jet centerline, and the emitted infrared intensity is well captured. Computations indicate that the formation of the shock wave is obtained by coalescence of compression waves emitted by the accelerating jet at early times. For the reactive case, computations show an increased interaction between the jet and the overpressure wave. Nomenclature A = area, m 2 a = ellipse x-axis length, m b = ellipse y-axis length, m C s = sth far-field microphone c = speed of sound, m · s −1 D = diameter, m e = eccentricity h = infrared field height, m I = acoustic intensity, W k = absorption index l = infrared field length, m M = Mach number m = alumina complex refraction index n = refraction index p = pressure, Pa R = shock traveled distance, m t = time, ms u = velocity, m · s −1 x, y, z = Cartesian coordinates α = far-field microphone angle, deg γ = ratio of specific heats Δp = shock amplitude, Pa Δt = time step, s Δx = maximal grid cell size, mm δ = duration, s λ = wavelength, m ρ = density, kg · m −3 Subscripts 0 = isotropic shock initial characteristics atm = atmospheric conditions bu = properties at rupture instant em = properties at ignition overpressure emission instant i = stagnation value ini = simulation initial characteristics int = shock tube intermediate properties iop = ignition overpressure properties ir = infrared properties j = nozzle exit plane properties le = ignition overpressure leading front arrival time max = ignition overpressure pressure maximum nl = ignition overpressure nonlinear propagation predicted time prop = propellant properties s = far-field sensor index st = shock-tube properties theo = ideal seal rupture characteristics at sensor location tr = ignition overpressure trailing front arrival time Superscript = nozzle throat properties