The P120C is a motor with propellant solid which will be common to pitchers Ariane 6 and Vega C. If the small launcher Vega C will use it as the main floor, the family Ariadne 6 will use it as boosters. It will equip both Ariane 6, in its Ariane 62 versions with two boosters and Ariane 64 with four boosters. Derived from floor P80 which equips the Vega launcher, this stage also has the particularity of being the largest propellant motor solid monolith of the world.
One engine for two launchers
This idea of using a common engine for two launchers is explained by the need to optimize the development costs of these launchers and to shorten the development cycles. The P120C is therefore a perfect example of rationalization, since it will equip both Ariane 6 and Vega C. In addition, the production of 35 engines each year will thus make it possible to make optimal use of the industrial infrastructures present on the European continent and in Guyanawhere the casting of the propellant and the final integration of the engine will take place.
The P120C comprises two main components. The first is the structural body, manufactured by Avio and obtained by winding and automatic placement of carbon/epoxy prepregs. The second is the nozzle manufactured by ArianeGroup and made up of various composite materials, including carbon/carbon, which makes it possible to eject at very high speed them gas extremely hot (3,000°C) generated by the engine, thus delivering thrust by transforming theenergy gases from combustion in kinetic energy. This nozzle can also rotate, so that the launcher can be piloted.
the maiden flight of Vega Cand therefore of the P120C engine, which will be the first operational use (it was tested several times on a test bench in Guyana), is scheduled for early July.
The P120C in numbers
- Engine length: 13.5m
- Diameter: 3.4m
- Propellant mass: 142 t
- Empty mass of thruster : 11t
- Mass of thruster body: 8.3 t
- Average thrust: 4,500 kN
- Maximum thrust: 4,650 kN
- Specific impulse: 278.5 s
- Burning time: 135s
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