The SAFRAN stand will be showcasing a full-scale model of the Vinci® cryogenic engine, designed as the upper-stage powerplant for future launchers. Several group companies contributed to its development, led by Snecma at the head of a European team. We asked Joël Barre, head of Snecma’s Space Engines Division, to tell us a bit more about Vinci.
What are the advantages of the Vinci engine?
Vinci capitalizes on Snecma’s extensive experience in cryogenic propulsion, using liquid oxygen and hydrogen. It offers three specific benefits: first, excellent performance in terms of specific impulse (thrust in relation to fuel burned); secondly, it can be restarted several times during a single mission; and thirdly, its production cost will be similar to the HM7B that it could replace, but with three times the thrust!
Where does the development program stand today?
A number of subassembly tests (of the turbopumps and combustion chamber, for instance) have been carried out in recent years. The first development engine was installed on its test stand in Germany a few months ago and firing tests started in May, following checks of all chilldown procedures. In other words, we’re now starting tests of the engine’s operating cycle, a first in Europe, and initial results fully meet our expectations.
When will this engine debut on a launcher?
The Vinci program was originally started with the goal of a first flight on Ariane 5 well before the end of the decade. However, this objective has now been revised, because of the reorganization of Ariane improvement programs, following the failure of the first launch of Ariane 5 ECA in December 2002, and a slowdown in the communications satellite launch market. We are planning to continue this program as a technology development program for a new-generation upper-stage engine, in preparation for the next upgrade to Ariane 5, or for use on new launchers or space vehicles.
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