Static test of the Snark VTVL Engine

On 8th June 2016 we carried out another vertical static test of the Snark rocket engine on the “Gryoc” VTVL (Vertical Take-off, Vertical Landing) technology demonstrator vehicle. The propellants are nitrous oxide (N2O) and isopropyl alcohol (IPA). A number of different throttle settings were used, peak thrust being around 300N. The purpose of this test was to obtain high-fidelity data about engine performance and hydraulic characteristics of the injector and throttle valves. This data will allow the throttle feedback loop to be tuned properly. In this test, the gimbal actuators have been temporarily removed and the engine mounted on its own load cell to get better thrust data. Video of the test is available on our YouTube channel here.