About Xcor Aerospace

Doug Jones (random@qnet.com)
Thu, 30 Sep 1999 21:14:54 -0700

S.J. Van Sickle wrote:

> XCOR Aerospace? So, do you guys have something particular planned,
> or are you chasing contracts? Don't make us wait for the web site!

We have several projects cooking away, but the only one I can talk about now is the X-1 replica- we're proposing to build an updated XLR-11 engine for a fully functional, flying X-1 rocket plane. Some other folks are setting up a nonprofit organization to pursue the development of the replica, and we'll bid competitively with anyone else for the propulsion contract. (There are several custom fabricators who could build the airframe of the bird, but the rocket is the tricky part.)

Of course, with the research we've already done, documentation in hand, a borrowed museum engine available for reference, and the assistance of the guy who refurbished the last few engines for the X-24 project back in the 70s, we doubt if anyone else could beat us...

This engine could also be useful for other markets (sorry, that info is NDA'd), and we could easily scale it up or down after the initial development. I came up with a really slick fabrication technique which should reduce the parts count and number of welds significantly, and we have several other tricks up our sleeves.

I'm designing our test stand while everyone else does business management things, and we should have it complete in December (I've done this job before, so it's easy).

Some specs for XLR-11 engine as used on the X-1: 4x 1500 lbf thrust chambers
LOX/ 80:20 ethanol/water propellants
1.5:1 OF ratio
250 psi chamber pressure, pressure fed tankage Sea Level Isp- 220 s

We'll probably make several changes in the updated design- different materials for the chamber, 99% isopropyl alcohol fuel, better nozzle shape, a more efficient (& cheaper) injector design, and a longer nozzle for starters. These would add up to 30 seconds to the Isp (and could go over 300 Isp in vacuum with a larger nozzle). Improvements to ignition and the entire valve system would improve operability and reliability- and of course, no Ulmer leather seals!

We have seed money, but do need to get some contracts or investment. The next couple of months should be exciting.

--
Doug Jones, Rocket Plumber
Xcor Aerospace (We'll have a website up Real Soon Now)