Snecma has designed four engines for possible use on Ariane 5s. The 338,000lb-thrust (1,500kN) uprated Vucain 3 could power the Ariane 5 booster first stage after 2006. A 450,450lb-thrust reusable engine with a 50-120% throttle capability could be used on two-stage-to-orbit launchers. Volga is a 901,000lb-thrust liquid oxygen-methane engine, with a 40-120% throttle capability being studied by European and Russian aerospace companies. The liquid oxygen-hydrocarbon Venus, a 22,500lb-thrust Volga spin- off, could feature on upper stages.
Source: Flight International
