GenCorp Aerojet has successfully tested fuel and oxidiser-rich preburners as the first step in the development of a highly reusable rocket engine for future US Air Force applications.
Aerojet, which is exhibiting in Hall 3, says the key feature of the preburners is that they generate fluids rich in gaseous hydrogen and gaseous oxygen to drive turbopumps of new generation rocket engines.
This has been accomplished by dividing the work between two turbines to reduce the turbine inlet temperature.
Using the entire propellant flow as the turbine drive fluid provides cooler drive gases.
This reduces wear and tear on the turbines which is a vital feature for successful reusable engines.
Source: Flight Daily News