The latest large solid rocket motor nozzle from Snecma Propulsion Solide is making its debut at the Paris Air Show, with a model on display on Stand B17, Hall 2A. This nozzle will be used on the P80 solid rocket motor, a technology demonstrator developed by Europropulsion, a subsidiary of SAFRAN and Avio. The P80 will also power the first stage of the new European small launcher, Vega.
The nozzle on display is also showcasing the new technologies that will be incorporated in upcoming versions of the Ariane 5’s solid boosters: new throat and thermal protection materials, a flex bearing which is twice as flexible, allowing the use of electrical actuators instead of hydraulic units for flight control, etc.
The design of the new nozzle was simplified to cut costs, in particular through the introduction of molded light alloy parts, including the exit cone – a technical tour de force. The nozzle on display at the show is a preliminary one; the design will be finalized this summer, and the first model for firing tests will be delivered within a year.
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