Large Liquid Engine Test Facility
Abstract
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), in order to support the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Program, recently activated a large liquid rocket engine test stand after a 25 years dormancy. Test Stand 1A, located at Edwards AFB CA, was left in a semi-abandoned condition since the early 1970's. With no definitive plans for re-activation, the facility was left to weather in the dry desert air. The objective was to provide the Air Force with the capability to test large liquid rocket engines up to 1.6 million pounds of thrust which utilize liquid oxygen for the oxidizer and either liquid hydrogen or kerosene for fuel. A high pressure hydrogen turbopump spin capability was also added to enable turbopump component development testing. This paper will review the lessons learned and observations from designing, modifying, and activating the test stand and performing the initial development activity on the new RS-68 rocket engine being developed for the Boeing Delta IV launch vehicle.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA405809
Entities
People
- Gabe Mendez
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory