Castor 4BXL
Engine · USA
Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.
Thiokol solid rocket engine. In Production. ORBEX version, combined the 4XL motor with 4B's TVC system (6 degree).
CTA's ORBEX used the Castor 4BXL version, which combined the 4XL motor with 4B's TVC system (6 degree.. First Flown: May 8, 1991. Flown: 2 to end of 1993 (100% success). Propellant Type: Tp-H8229 HTPB Polymer, with 20% Al. Propellant Shape: radially slotted center perforate. Propellant Mass Fraction: 0.868 (9969 kg). Total Impulse: 26,141 kNs vacuum at 25 Celsius. Pressure: 50.6 atm maximum and an average of 30.7 atm. Nozzle Throat Diameter: 30.84 cm. Nozzle Length: varies - SL, with altitude and canted available. Nozzle Exit Diameter: 90.2 cm. Nozzle Materials: 4130 steel. Casing Materials: 4130 steel.
Chamber Pressure: 31.10 bar. Area Ratio: 8.55. Propellant Formulation: HTPB.