Thiokol Propulsion will begin fabrication this month of the first development exit cone for Boeing's new RS-68 low-cost cryogenic engine that will power its Delta IV Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) for the US Air Force.
In an announcement at the Show today, Thiokol says the phenolic exit cone will be delivered to Boeing for a full static test firing in February 1999.
Three development units have already been delivered and one will be used for an initial static test in October.
The US Air Force is expected to announce formally later this month that Boeing and Lockheed Martin have been selected to build a fleet of EELVs.
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Boeing's Delta IV EELV fleet will be based on a Common Core Booster powered by the RS-68. The cryogenic engine will be the first new rocket motor built by the USA since the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME).
It will be the most powerful liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen engine in the world - 50% more powerful than the SSME.
Thiokol was recruited to apply its experience as the world's largest solid rocket motor company to produce the simple four-piece ablative design that replaces more complex multi-piece exit cone configurations.
Thiokol recently changed its name to Cordant Technologies, an identity which makes its debut at the Show.
Thiokol Propulsion is now a major operating unit in Cordant Technologies.
Another Cordant company, Howmet International - also exhibiting at the Show - is supplying castings for components of the liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen turbopumps of the RS-68.
Source: Flight Daily News