The First European Cryogenic Engine Was Tested Forty Years Ago
- Paper number
IAC-07-E4.2.07
- Author
Mr. Christophe Rothmund, Snecma, France
- Year
2007
- Abstract
In March 1967, Europe's first cryogenic engine, the HM4, was ready for its first hot run. This event proved to be decisive for the next forty years as it paved the way to Ariane's HM7 and Vulcain engine families. It all began in 1962, when an upper stage engine study was were initiated for future versions of the French launch vehicle DIAMANT. This engine, named H2, was to be turbopump-fed (gas generator cycle), delivering a thrust of 6 tons through four gimballed nozzles. As early as 1964 SEPR began tests of the gas generator and the LOX pump, but all activities were cancelled at the end of that year, and replaced by a new program : the HM4 engine, closely based on the H2 concept, but with a reduced thrust. The ignition attempt in July 1967 was fully successful and led the way to more tests. On that summer day, the HM4 became the very first European cryogenic engine fed by a turbopump, and the first member of a highly successful family. Late in 1968, the Ministry of Defence stopped all HM4 activities. CNES took over and continued the project for another year until late 1969 when HM4 was finally abandoned, as no launcher program using it could be envisioned. The HM7 was later to form the basis of Ariane's third stage engine, the HM7, that today powers Ariane 5's cryogenic upper stage.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-E4.2.07.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.