Under the German Hypersonic Technology Program, future-oriented designs and technologies for reusable space vehicles, such as SANGER, are being developed. Pioneering the way in a new field of technology, MTU constructed and tested, with successfrom the very beginning, an actively cooled, asymmetric rectangular nozzle (SERN-single expansion ramp nozzle) of advanced design, characterized by the following innovative features:·rectangular, flap-controlled variable flow cross section;·liquid-hydrogen-cooled structures;·high-temperature-resistant sealing system for variable nozzle flaps; and·uncooled expansion ramp in carbon/carbon composite with anti-oxidation coating.Development of the nozzle called for the mastery of new manufacturing techniques; proof of concept was provided in the successful performance of initial tests of 300 second duration.
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