The VINCI~® propulsion system: new steps toward qualification

摘要

The intent of this publication is to provide an overview of the development of the VINCI® propulsive system over the 2013-2014 period, the propulsive system encompassing the engine itself and the functions that contribute to the stage propulsion. The VINCI® is a cryogenic expander cycle engine combining the required features of this cycle, i.e. high performance chamber cooling and high performance hydrogen turbo-pump, with proven design concepts based on the accumulated experience from previous European cryogenic engines such as the HM7 and the VULCAIN~®. VINCI~® is the reference cryogenic upper stage engine for the future European Launchers. Additionally, the high performance of this engine and its restart capability offer potential applications on various future launcher upper stages as well as orbital spacecrafts. The current phase of the VINCI® development is focused on confirming the system design maturity through the M5 engine test campaign and through additional component tests such as a bearing endurance test campaign for the hydrogen turbo-pump and dynamic seal package tests for the oxygen turbo-pump. In parallel the equipment of the propulsive system such as the components of the pressurization and helium command systems are entering the detailed design phase after having successfully passed the preliminary design reviews.