Boeing has conducted the third successful test of the Common Booster Core (CBC) and integrated Rocketdyne liquid oxygen-liquid hydrogen RS-68 main engine for the Delta IV launch vehicle. The 145s test at NASA's Stennis Space Center, Mississippi, in early April, was on the integrated performance and operation of the CBC and RS-68. It represented an actual flight, including engine shutdown after complete liquid hydrogen fuel consumption. Also included was a planned recycle where a simulated countdown was stopped and resumed; thrust vectoring or gimballing of the main engine to check lateral movement; and testing throttle power settings from 58-101% at various durations. The next Delta IV CBC/RS-68 test will simulate a Delta IV Heavy mission profile, including a liquid depletion shutdown. The Delta IV booster will make its maiden flight early next year.
Source: Flight International