Airbus Safran Launchers have just begun the hot-fire testing campaign for the re-ignitable VINCI upper stage engine on the P4.1 test bench at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in Lampoldshausen, Germany. This is a key milestone for the development of Ariane 6.
The VINCI engine is designed for the upper liquid propulsion module of the launcher, which can be deployed flexibly for a variety of missions. Once ignited, the engine burns for up to 1,000 seconds in development tests. This M5R test phase will last until September 2016.
Airbus Safran Launchers is the prime contractor for the Ariane 6 launcher, whose initial launch is scheduled for 2020.
May 20, 2016
