ST. LOUIS, January 25, 2005 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] demonstrated
the versatility of its new 8.5-inch rocket engine, which at 1,100-pounds,is
the highest performing rocket engine in its class.
Developed by Rocketdyne, part of Boeing’s Integrated Defense Systems, the
Multi-Use Thruster, or MUT, was designed to meet current and future
requirements for a variety of customer needs. Current applications could
include missile defense, strategic weapon platforms and space launch. In the
future, MUT could be used in space exploration systems for in-space
operations, point-to-point transit, and landing on planetary surfaces.
“The versatility of the MUT is a needed attribute in rocket engine design,”
said Bill Burns, Division Director, Attitude Control Propulsion Systems.
“Given the MUT’s variable thrust levels, as well as the flexibility of using
operational-enhanced propellants, we think we have a real winner here. It’s
by no means a stretch to call the MUT a ‘thruster for all seasons’.”
This summer, the MUT successfully demonstrated its unique capabilities at
the White Sands Missile Range. The throttleable engine performed
successfully over a thrust range spanning 50 to 115 percent of its design
point. In addition, Rocketdyne successfully tested a high energy nitrogen
tetroxide oxidizer in the engine, the use of which permits operation in
extremely cold environments and adds a significant performance boost over
traditional storable propellants
The throttling capability of the MUT will allow customers to expand the
performance envelopes of their systems without requiring additional
propulsion development costs. The Multi-Use Thruster, in combination with
other existing, proven attitude control engines, supplies reliable and
flexible propulsion capability at thrusts ranging from one pound to well
over 1,200 pounds.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of
the world’s largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St.
Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $27 billion business. It
provides network-centric system solutions to its global military,
government, and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world’s largest
military aircraft manufacturer; the world’s largest satellite manufacturer
and a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems
integrator for U.S. missile defense and Department of Homeland Security;
NASA’s largest contractor; and a global leader in launch services.
