Date: Nov 01, 2012 Author: press release Source: Company Data (
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VICTORVILLE, CA -- November 1, 2012 The DESLA Team, which is comprised of Exquadrum, WASK Engineering, and ATK (NYSE: ATK), announce they have successfully conducted testing on a modular thrust chamber design and aerospike nozzle as part of AFRL research efforts. The data gathered on these programs will be leveraged for the Dual Expander Short Length Aerospike (DESLA) engine.
Exquadrum conducted a series of full-scale hot fire tests up to 100 percent chamber pressure on the modular thrust chamber funded under the Deep Throttle Enabling Nozzle Technology SBIR contract at its Adelanto, California test facility. The modular thrust chamber enables modern manufacturing methods that significantly lowers recurring and non-recurring costs, which are necessary to achieve an affordable engine while enhancing overall system performance.
"The successful testing of the modular thruster demonstrates both the performance and significant cost savings this technology provides," said Philip Pelfrey, Executive Vice President for Exquadrum.
Additionally, WASK Engineering has successfully completed baseline performance cold flow testing of a 30 percent length annular aerospike nozzle from sea level to vacuum conditions as part of the Third Generation Reusable Boost (3GRB) Program at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Nozzle Test Facility in Huntsville, Alabama. The testing obtained high quality data that validated computer tools and performance predictions which will be used for the DESLA engine.
"The results of this testing effort validated the performance predictions for the nozzle technology we are using for DESLA", said Wendel Burkhardt, President of WASK Engineering.
The DESLA engine is an advanced, 30,000 pound thrust liquid hydrogen / liquid oxygen upper stage engine intended for the Air Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) and NASA's next generation Cryogenic Propulsion System (CPS).
About Exquadrum
Exquadrum means "outside the box" (both literally & figuratively) and indicates a dedication to creative thought through an open and unconstrained approach to development. Exquadrum Inc. specializes in assembling and leading teams of in-house and associate personnel from around the world to overcome the most demanding technical challenges in order to design, build, and test highly effective systems. The company has extensive experience in the commercial and defense aerospace communities. Government customers include the US Air Force, the Missile Defense Agency, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, and others. For more information, visit www.exquadrum.com.
About WASK Engineering
WASK Engineering, Inc. is a Sacramento, California-based liquid propulsion, R&D, and engine development company founded in 2003. The WASK team delivers results from extensive experience working in the aerospace, defense, and automotive industries. WASK's primary business focus is on development of propulsion technologies with an emphasis on liquid rocket engines. WASK specializes in rocket system analysis and engine design and hardware development. The company's engineering experience base draws from contributions to the success of many programs. WASK Engineering provides innovative and cost effective solutions to our customers' engineering challenges. Customers include the DoD, NASA, and Industry OEM's. For more information, visit waskengr.com.
About ATK
ATK is an aerospace, defense, and commercial products company with operations in 22 states, Puerto Rico, and internationally. ATK is the world's top producer of solid rocket propulsion systems and a leading supplier of military and commercial aircraft structures. It also specializes in small and micro-satellites; satellite components and subsystems; lightweight space deployables and solar arrays; and low-cost, quick-to-market launch solutions. ATK also has extensive experience supporting human and space payload missions. News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.
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