2023 Author: Bryan Walter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 22:24
Burning solid fuel reusable XR58 engine.
XAIR-Robotics has fired a small 3D-printed solid rocket motor. More details can be found on the company's website, the test video is published on YouTube.
A series of firing tests of the XR58 compact solid propellant engine took place from October 31 to November 8, 2015. As part of the last - fourth in a row - test, the engine sustained a 12 second burnout.
According to company representatives, it took XAIR-Robotics about nine months to develop the final prototype of the reusable solid-fuel engine. The developers claim that the XR58 is one of the most powerful and fuel efficient engines in its class and is suitable for use in DIY models by rocket enthusiasts. At the same time, the rocket engine is designed within the norms that allow operation without permission from the US Federal Aviation Administration.
XR58 solid fuel engine
3D printing in rocket science is used not only to create models by enthusiasts, but also to produce parts for full-fledged liquid propellant rocket engines. In June 2015, ESA tested the first rocket engine with printed platinum parts, and in August NASA announced successful tests of a 3D printed turbo pump assembly. Also, 3D printing was used by SpaceX in the production of some parts of SuperDraco engines.
