Vulcain-2

Vulcain 2 was the new generator cycle rocket engine for an Ariane 5 core stage upgrade. By making design enhancements to the Vulcain 1 engine and introducing innovative production technologies, the thrust of Vulcain 2 was increased to 135 tonnes - an increase of more than 30% compared to its predecessor. Vulcain 2 would increase the payload capacity of Ariane 5 to 6.8 tonnes and increase the engine's specific impulse by 3 seconds over the basic model. This was achieved by increasing the O:F ratio to 6.3, increasing the expansion ratio by 30%, and exhausting turbine gases into the exit cone of the engine. Seven Vulcan-2 were built for running at test stand P5 in Lampoldshausen and PF50 at Vernon between April 30, 1999 and the end of 2001.

As with Vulcain 1, the Ottobrunn facility was responsible for the development and manufacture of the Vulcain 2 thrust chamber comprising the regeneratively cooled combustion chamber, coaxial propellant mixing injectors, dump cooled nozzle extension, and gimbal joint.

• Used on stage: Ariane 5 EPC. on launch vehicle: Ariane 5 EC-A.

• Used on stage: Ariane 5 EPC. on launch vehicle: Ariane 5 EC-B.

• Used on stage: Ariane 5 EPC. on launch vehicle: Ariane 5 V.

• Kudryavtseva, V M, ed., Zhidkostnikh Raketnikh Dvigatley, Visshaya Shkola, Moscow, 1993. ISBN: 5060025632. Russian-language textbook on rocket theory. More at amazon.com...