F R 8 - 9 7
Home | Update | Latest Issue | Gallery | FR Profile | Datafiles | FR 8/97
LOCKHEED ORDERS RUSSIAN RD-180 ROCKET ENGINES
by Wolfdietrich Hoeveler
Lockheed Martin ordered Russian rocket engines worth one billion US dollars. The engines are earmarked for the new Atlas IIAR (first launch at the end of 1998) and for the development of the new version of the EELV launcher family (Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle) of the US Air Force. The engines will be built, for the major part, at Energomash. However, one lot must be built in the USA. This applies to the rockets which will be launched under
contract of the American government. An appropriate agreement was signed by Pratt & Whitney and Energomash. The agreement calls for the coproduction at a new installation of Pratt & Whitney Space Propulsion in Clearwater, Florida. The first US-made RD-180 is supposed to be delivered from there in June of 1998.
Doug North from Pratt & Whitney explains to FLUG REVUE the advantages of the Russian engines. These engines are operated with a much higher share of oxygen, resulting in lower operating temperatures and subsequently less complex cooling systems. Furthermore, the requirements for the used materials are lower, reducing the costs and extending the life-time.
According to Mel Brashears, President of the Lockheed Martin Space & Strategic Missiles Sector, this solution fits well into the company's concept. Two years ago, the joint-venture International Launch Service was founded together with Russia, successfully using the Proton in the West. Reportedly, two launches have already been conducted, another five are scheduled for 1997.
LMI, which was founded by Lockheed Martin and Intersputnik just prior to the Aérosalon to market complete satellite systems for Europe, Asia, Central America, and the CIS states, is fully in line with Lockheed Martin's global alliances strategy. The first satellite, an A2100 from Lockheed (44 transponders in the C- and Ku-Band, life-time: 15 years) is to allow new telecommunication services in the Intersputnik area. The satellite will reportedly be launched in 1998 with a Proton rocket, a second one in 1999, and a third and fourth in 2000. Following these launches, a market dependent phase II is scheduled which includes the launch of a further four satellites. For 2001, the partners expect a follow-up need of seven satellites.
From page 14 of FLUG REVUE 8/97
Home | Update | Latest Issue | Gallery | FR Profile | Datafiles | FR 8/97
Copyright 1997 by Motor-Presse Stuttgart. All rights reserved.
Last updated July 4, 1997
FLUG REVUE, Ubierstr. 83, 53173 Bonn, Germany