Testing of the M-2 prototype of the Vinci cryogenic upper-stage engine for the European Ariane 5 launcher has been completed. The engine was fired 16 times for up to 350s, half the 700s burn duration expected during operation.
The rig testing was carried out at German aerospace research agency DLR’s Lampoldhausen site from October to February. The second half of M-2 testing will run from September to December. “Testing will cease until September because of constraints in testing facilities,” says Christian Fiorentino, Ariane development programme manager for Vinci prime contractor Snecma.
The liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen Vinci engine is restartable, with a vacuum thrust of 40,500lb (180kN). The M-2 testing was to be part of the Ariane Consolidation and Evolution Programme, but at the December European Space Agency ministerial meeting it was decided Vinci would become part of the agency’s Future Launcher Preparatory Programme (FLPP).
The M-3 prototype engine will be part of FLPP and will differ from M-2 in having an extendable nozzle, which will improve efficiency in different stages of flight. The M-3 testing timetable will be decided in the next four months by ESA.
Source: Flight International
