Integrated powerhead demonstrator

The Integrated powerhead demonstrator (IPD) is a U.S. Air Force project run by NASA and the AFRL to develop a rocket engine that utilizes a full flow staged combustion cycle (FFSCC). The prime contractors are Rocketdyne and Aerojet. []

The main design goal is to apply the advantages of FFSCC to create a reusable engine with improved life, reliability and performance. The turbines will also feature hydrostatic bearings instead of the traditional ball bearings.

On July 19, 2006 Rocketdyne announced that the demonstrator engine had been operated at full power. [cite web | url = http://www.pw.utc.com/vgn-ext-templating/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2e35288d1c83c010VgnVCM1000000881000aRCRD&prid=29c256fe452de010VgnVCM100000c45a529f____ | title = New 'Rocket Engine of the Future' Goes to 'Mainstage' | publisher = Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne]

According to NASA, The IPD project is the first of three phases of the Integrated High Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technology Program, which is aimed at demonstrating technologies that double the capability of state-of-the-art cryogenic booster engines. The project's goal is to develop a full-flow, hydrogen-fueled, staged combustion rocket engine. [cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/news/news/releases/2005/05-062.html |title=U.S. Air Force-NASA Technology Demonstrator Engine for Future Launch Vehicles Successfully Fired During Initial Full Duration Test |date=2005 |publisher=NASA] In 2007, Northrop Grumman announced it had received an AFRL contract to design and test a turbopump for liquid hydrogen propellants that could be used for these engines. [cite web |url=http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=121572 |title=U.S. Air Force Contract Continues Northrop Grumman's Work On Upper Stage Engine Technology Program |publisher =Northrop Grumman |date=2007]

References

External links

* (Includes info on tech hurdles and development of IPD.)
* (Test firing news with pictures.)
*