“Green” Liquid Propellant Upper Stage Engine for Air Launched Targets

Our vision for the next generation missile and space propulsion is a flexible and non-toxic propulsion technology using AF-M315E monopropellant, offering variable thrust with a high degree of mission tailoring. Additionally, high density of AF-M315E monopropellant improves stage mass fraction and delivers performance metrics that exceed current toxic storable propellants. Current systems using AF-M315E utilize catalytic means for ignition. This program will use non-catalytic methods to scale the thrust by one to two orders of magnitude. We propose an innovative injector capable of delivering fine atomization for rapid vaporization. We will use ignition systems delivering wide range of oxidizer and fuel rich mixtures to observe sensitivities to reaction chemistry and kinetics. We will conclude the program with hot fire development tests to determine mechanism(s) of ignition and sustained combustion of AF-M315E in a 100-150 lbf thrust class hardware. Approved for Public Release | 19-MDA-9932 (21 Feb 19)