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Advanced Vortex Hybrid Propulsion System (AVHPS)

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: F29601-03-M-0107
Agency Tracking Number: F031-1968
Amount: $100,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2003
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
Space Center, 1212 Fourier Drive
Madison, WI 53717
United States
DUNS: 196894869
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Martin Chiaverini
 Lead Propulsion Engineer
 (608) 827-5000
 chiaverinim@orbitec.com
Business Contact
 Eric Rice
Title: President & CEO
Phone: (608) 827-5000
Email: koffarnusl@orbitec.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

ORBITEC proposes to develop an Advanced Vortex Hybrid Propulsion System (AVHPS) to meet the demands of highly-reliable, low-cost propulsion systems for small launch vehicles. The benefits of the AVHPS result from the combination of ORBITEC's patentedvortex injection technique and high-regression rate solid fuels. The AVHPS will provide for high volumetric loading and energy density, high combustion efficiency, reliable system performance, safe storage and deployment, and low cost. The Phase I workincludes launch vehicle conceptual designs and trade studies, modifications to an existing thrust chamber assembly, fuel burning characterization under the vortex combustion scheme, throttling and mixture ratio control tests, empirical regression rate andcombustion efficiency correlation development, technical risk identification and management, and Phase II thrust chamber design and test plan. This technology aims to improve propulsion system performance, reliability, and reduce costs associated withsmall launch vehicle propulsion systems. The end product of the overall research and development program will also have application to sounding rockets, reusable and expendable launch vehicles, and upper stage propulsion systems for orbit-insertion.Near-term military applications include: boost-phase interceptors, high-speed and/or high altitude target drones, cruise missile propulsion, and forward observation craft propulsion. Military orbit transfer propulsion systems and satellite maneuveringpropulsion systems can also benefit from this technology. This technology is closely related to ORBITEC's vortex combustion cold-wall (VCCW) chamber technology for liquid bi-propellant applications, and has the potential to dramatically improve liquidrocket and RBCC lifetime, reusability, and thrust-to-weight ratio. Future generation launch vehicles can benefit from these technologies. In addition to these applications, this new type of vortex combustion may have significant industrial benefits. Forexample, many classes of air-fired combustors can use the vortex combustion technology for improved combustion efficiency and potentially reduced emissions.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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