The RL60 DEMO Program - An Opportunity to Validate New Valve Technoligies

Modern new liquid rocket engine development follows a standard process whereby components are specified, developed, tested and evaluated, certified, and integrated without any opportunity to engine test new ideas and designs before committing to the development exercise. Many technologies are subjected to engineering test and evaluation during engine development in order to guarantee the required performance. This is costly and sometimes risky. However, the RL60 demonstrator project has given Techspace Aero, a designer and manufacturer of valves for all types of space engines, the opportunity to engine test concepts resulting from previous research exercises with the goal of bringing the component Technology Readiness Levels to the point that flight model development could begin at reduced technical risk. Two valves of completely different function and performance have been supplied for this demonstrator. One is a Fuel Inlet Valve which uses technologies that can also be applied to a main chamber Fuel Shut-off Valve. The other valve is an electric Oxidizer Control Valve, capable of fast precise fluid control. The engine test knowledge gained will be used to optimize the design for the eventual flight version. This will create functionally better units. The engine test will also be used as an opportunity to expand the knowledge base and push technical capabilities farther to create better valves. This paper provides an overview of the work done.