Vulcain (rocket engine)

This article is about the European rocket engine. For the American rocket, see Vulcan (rocket). For other uses, see Vulcain (disambiguation).
Vulcain
Vulcain 2 engine on display
Country of originFrance
European Union
First flight
  • 1: 4 June 1996
  • 2: 12 February 2005
  • 2.1: 9 July 2024
Last flight
  • 1: 18 December 2009
  • 2: 5 July 2023
DesignerSnecma
ArianeGroup
ManufacturerSnecma
ArianeGroup
ApplicationMain stage engine
Associated LV
PredecessorViking
Status
  • 1: Retired
  • 2: Retired
  • 2.1: In production
Liquid-fuel engine
PropellantLOX / LH2
Mixture ratio
  • 1: 5.3:1[1]
  • 2: 6.1:1
CycleGas generator
Configuration
Nozzle ratio
  • 1: 45.1:1
  • 2: 58.2:1
Performance
Thrust, vacuum
  • 1: 1,140 kN (260,000 lbf)
  • 2: 1,359 kN (306,000 lbf)
  • 2.1: 1,324 kN (298,000 lbf)
Chamber pressure
  • 1: 100 bar (10,000 kPa)
  • 2: 117.3 bar (11,730 kPa)
  • 2.1: 120.8 bar (12,080 kPa)
Specific impulse, vacuum
  • 1: 431 s (4.23 km/s)
  • 2: 429 s (4.21 km/s)
Dimensions
Length
  • 1: 3.05 m (10.0 ft)
  • 2: 3.44 m (11.3 ft)
  • 2.1: 3.7 m (12 ft)
Diameter
  • 1: 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in)
  • 2: 2.09 m (6 ft 10 in)
  • 2.1: 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in)
Dry mass
  • 1: 1,300 kg (2,900 lb)
  • 2: 1,800 kg (4,000 lb)
  • 2.1: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb)
References
References[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]

Vulcain is a family of European first stage rocket engines for Ariane 5 and Ariane 6. Its development began in 1988 and the first flight was completed in 1996. The updated version of the engine, Vulcain 2, was first successfully flown in 2005. Both members of the family use liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen cryogenic fuel. The new version for Ariane 6 is called Vulcain 2.1.

  1. ^ i Bel, Margarit; Martínez Sánchez, Manuel (2001). "SIMULATION OF A LIQUID ROCKET ENGINE". 1st Meeting of EcosimPro Users. 11: 6. Retrieved 2023-06-23.
  2. ^ "Vulcain-2 Cryogenic Engine Passes First Test with New Nozzle Extension" (PDF). www.esa.int. Retrieved 18 November 2018.
  3. ^ EADS Astrium. "Vulcain Rocket Engine - Thrust Chamber". Airbus Defence and Space. Archived from the original on 25 February 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2014.
  4. ^ "V169 Presskit" (PDF). Arianespace. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 December 2010. Retrieved 30 June 2015.
  5. ^ "Vulcain". Astronautix. Archived from the original on November 17, 2002. Retrieved 30 June 2015.
  6. ^ EADS Astrium. "Vulcain 2 Rocket Engine - Thrust Chamber". Airbus Defence and Space. Archived from the original on 27 March 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2014.
  7. ^ "Ariane 5 - Europe's Heavy Launcher" (PDF). European Space Agency. Retrieved 20 July 2014.
  8. ^ "Vulcain®2". Safran. Retrieved 5 October 2014.
  9. ^ "Vulcain 2". Astronautix. Archived from the original on June 27, 2002. Retrieved 30 June 2015.
  10. ^ "Vulcain 2.1". European Space Agency. 2017-10-24. Retrieved 19 November 2021.