X-33 linear aerospike engine passes longest test

X-33 linear aerospike engine passes longest test

http://defence-data.com/storypic/x-331z.jpg [not image]
14 February 2000

The aerospike engine that will power the X-33 Advanced Technology Demonstrator reached a milestone at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Centre in Mississippi last week with its longest test to date and the first demonstration of the engine's full thrust vector control.



X-33
A NASA/Boeing Rocketdyne team tested the XRS-2200 Linear Aerospike Engine for 125 seconds. This test was the longest test run to date at 100 percent power, exceeding the previous test by 30 seconds. It was longer than all previous seven tests combined. The successful test also marked the first demonstration of plus or minus 15 percent thrust vector control. The test also demonstrated engine operation at varied power levels and tested different mixture ratios.

Lockheed Martin's X-33 vehicle will use thrust vector control to steer itself in flight. This capability allows vehicle designers to avoid the weight and complexity of engine gimbaling mechanisms, supporting the push for aircraft-like operations.

Initial test data indicates satisfactory engine performance throughout the test.

The XRS-2200 engine was developed and assembled by Boeing Rocketdyne Propulsion & Power. The engine will power the X-33, a half-scale, sub-orbital technology demonstrator of Lockheed Martin's proposed, commercial reusable launch vehicle called VentureStar.

Once testing of the first of the programme's four engines has been successfully completed, two flight engines will be tested. After successful flight acceptance test of the engines, the two flight engines will be shipped to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company in Palmdale to be mounted on the X-33 vehicle in preparation for future flight demonstrations.

However, because of damage to the composite fuel tank, it is unlikely that any flight tests will be carried out this year.