Merlin (rocket engine)
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The Merlin engine is a RP-1/liquid oxygen gas-generator rocket engine. The Merlin engine was developed for use on the Falcon 1, Falcon 5 and Falcon 9 rockets by SpaceX and is designed for sea recovery and reuse. The Merlin has many innovative features, such as TVC system using the RP-1 feed from the turbopumps to power its hydrualic actuators.
[edit] Engine details and revisions
The initial version, the Merlin 1A, used an inexpensive, expendable ablatively cooled carbon fiber composite nozzle.
The Merlin 1B has been enhanced over the 1A with a turbine upgrade (from 1490 kW to 1860 kW), but experience from the first flight, the 1B will probably never be used on a flight vehicle.
The Merlin 1C uses a regeneratively cooled nozzle and combustion chamber, and is still under development.
The Merlin 2 is a planned future development with F-1-class performance.
[edit] Performance
Current published ratings:
- Sea level thrust: 77,000 lbf (342 kN)
- Vacuum thrust: 92,000 lbf (409 kN)
- Chamber pressure: 6.14 MPa (890 psi)
- Sea level Isp: 255 s (2.6 kN·s/kg)
- Vacuum Isp: 304 s (3.0 kN·s/kg)
- Thrust-to-weight ratio (fully accounted): 96
[edit] Operations
- Fuel: RP-1 rocket grade kerosene
- Oxidizer: Liquid oxygen
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- SpaceX Falcon engines page
- Race for Next Space Prize Ignites: Wired article describing successful test firing