Bell 8247
Government Designation: XLR81-BA-13. Designer: Bell. Developed in: 1962-1964. Propellants: Nitric acid/UDMH. Thrust(vac): 71.200 kN (16,006 lbf). Isp: 291 sec. Burn time: 240 sec. Mass Engine: 132 kg (291 lb). Diameter: 1.52 m (4.98 ft). Chambers: 1. Chamber Pressure: 34.00 bar. Area Ratio: 45.00. Oxidizer to Fuel Ratio: 2.57. Country: USA. Status: Out of Production. First Flight: 1963. Last Flight: 1987. Flown: 248.

The Gemini-Agena Target Vehicle design was an adaptation of the basic Agena-D vehicle using the alternate Model 8247 rocket engine and additional program-peculiar equipment required for the Gemini mission. The XLR-8I-BA-13 was a liquid bi-propellant rocket engine with a minimum capability of five starts and a demonstrated capability of fifteen starts under vacuum conditions. This rocket engine consisted of the following major components:

  • Thrust-chamber assembly
  • Multiple-restart assembly
  • Turbine-pump assembly
  • Overspeed shutdown electronic-gate and cable assembly
  • Turbine-exhaust duct
  • Propellant manifolds
  • Thrust-chamber nozzle extension

Fuel used was unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH); oxidizer used was inhibited red fuming nitric acid (IRFNA). The propulsion system provided the thrust necessary to place the GATV into a selected orbit and to accomplish major orbital changes. A minimum of five starts was available for performing these maneuvers.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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