Russia's Energomash Glushko research and production enterprise has successfully completed the first test firing of the RD-191 engine designed for the new Angara launcher family.
The liquid oxygen-kerosene engine is based on the RD-170 and -171 engines used on Energia and Zenit boosters. The RD-180 that powers the Lockheed Martin Atlas III is also derived from the RD-170.
Unlike its Russian predecessors, which had four combustion chambers, the RD-191 has one unit and one turbopump and a newly designed gas generator for regulating the flow of propellants.
The Angara programme is struggling to secure funding, however, and it is not known whether the programme can proceed without more money. Although International Launch Services plans to operate the booster commercially, the Lockheed Martin-led company says it has no plans to invest in developing the booster.
Source: Flight International