Technological readiness of the VINCI expander engine

Paper number

IAC-08.C4.1.9

Author

Mr. Philippe James, Snecma, France

Coauthor

Mr. Christian Fiorentino, Snecma, France

Coauthor

Mr. J.-N. Caruana, European Space Agency (ESA), France

Coauthor

Mr. N. Balcet, CNES, France

Coauthor

Mr. Philippe Caisso, Snecma, France

Year

2008

Abstract

The intent of this publication is to provide an overview of the results of the VINCI engine testing and system activities over the 2007-2008 period to emphasize progress made and technological readiness level achieved.
The VINCI engine is an 18 ton thrust upper stage cryogenic engine tested under ESA Future Launcher Preparatory Programme. It has a multiple firing capability and therefore the potential to perform a broad array of missions.
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 turbopump, with proven design concepts based on the accumulated experience from previous European cryogenic engines such as the HM7 and the Vulcain.
The  high performance of this engine and its restart capability offer potential applications on various future launcher upper stages  as well as orbital spacecrafts.

As a result of the first two engine test campaigns which took place in 2005 and 2006, a reference system configuration with reliable steady state and transient behaviour was obtained. In 2007, the first tests with two firing in sequence simulating a restart after a ballistic phase were performed.

The publication will focus on the major achievements of the 2007-2008 period, i.e. the results of the third engine test campaign which started beginning of 2007 and extended over the first half of 2008 had also objectives related to transient robustness evaluation , long duration operation as well as exploration of the flight operating domain. Tests together with modeling activities have significantly contributed to the demonstration of the engine maturity and to the reduction of development risks.

Abstract document

IAC-08.C4.1.9.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.C4.1.9.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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