Snecma has signed a contract with the European Space Agency for the next stage of development of the Vinci cryogenic engine. The powerplant is being developed under ESA's Future Launcher Preparatory Programme for the Ariane 5 ECA -and potentially for future boosters.
Snecma is the industrial prime contractor for Vinci. The deal covers a new phase in the design, production and testing work, including initial long-duration and engine re-ignition tests.
These tests are being performed at German aerospace centre DLR's facility in Lampoldshausen. Vinci uses an expander cycle for better performance compared with the current Ariane 5's engines' gas generator cycle. It could also restart in flight, and would have an extendible composite nozzle.
"This will allow us to offer new upgrades to the Ariane 5 launcher, with solid foundations underpinning the projects to be submitted to the next ESA ministerial-level conference in 2008," says Snecma space engines division executive vice-president Joel Barre.
Source: Flight International
