Development status of LOX/LCH4 rocket engine

摘要

IHI Corporation and IHI Aerospace have been continuing the research and development of LOX/Methane regenerative-cooled rocket engine since 2008. LOX/Methane regeneratively-cooled rocket engine is expected to bring many advantages to reality for future propulsion system, such as high performance, reusability, long storage and so on. The engine adopted Gas Generator Cycle with regeneratively-cooled chamber. In 2011 and 2012, the first hot firing tests of the engine were successfully conducted. In 2013, the engine components have been modified almost close to prototype model, and the engine system hot firing has been conducted. This paper describes the status of the 100kN thrust class LOX/Methane regeneratively-cooled rocket engine and the results of sea level hot firing tests held in 2013.