Rotary Rocket has delayed the initial test flight of its Roton atmospheric test vehicle (ATV) to at least July after the failure of a critical flight instrument during preflight trials of the vehicle's four-bladed rotor system.
The first flight was expected in April. The ATV was on the verge of its debut when the rpm indicator failed during a preflight test of the Roton's hydrogen peroxide-powered tip thrusters. These are mounted on the ends of the 17.1m (56ft)-diameter rotor blades that will be used to slow the vehicle's descent after re-entry.
The Roton ATV is a proof-of-concept version of a vehicle that will be used for single-stage-to-orbit missions into low earth orbit.
Following the rpm indicator failure, Rotary says that it is "checking out the entire rotor system as a precaution".
After the first flight, the company plans to put the ATV through three months of flight tests, culminating in powered "hops" to up to 10,000ft altitude.
Although the rotor system is intended to support the vehicle's descent primarily through autorotation, it is capable of climbing and manoeuvring for a limited time, using its tip rockets and 1,362kg (3,000lb) of 85% hydrogen-peroxide fuel.
The first orbital flight is scheduled for the first quarter of next year. Rotary Rocket is still seeking further private investment.
Source: Flight International
