During the AIC presentation, Elon Musk revealed that the development process for Falcon will be completed by the end of 2017. I'm wondering whether there is anything in store for the engines..
I saw this on Reddit... A picture of an M1D-Vac (without nozzle extension) ready for shipping out:
Not when I was there. You might float if someone was behind and needed help, but there was a set tam that only did MVAC, only did M1D's, only did octaweb, etc. the M1D guys might move around from lowers to uppers, or chambers, but not Mvac, because it required so much more attention to detail.
When I left it was a day or two for an M1D (dependant on parts) Vs 18-21 days for an MVAC. Mvac is a lot more complex, has more systems and has a bunch of made on assembly parts
Very. MVAC contains more systems that M1D's have inside the octaweb, along with some control valves for the second stage. The chamber and a few other parts are the only similarities. Its in the same class, but its like comparing a Small Block Chevy V8 to a Ferrari engine.
Hey /u/zlsa very nice, just a couple MVac notes for you. The MVac Engine is integrated in Texas to the second stage. The Nozzle is not installed till right before Stage mate at the launch site.
All of the octoweb paneling on F9 is covered in Pica-X the same material used on Dragon's heat shield. Thats the black section at the base of the rocket.
MVAC was around ~400 pounds heavier than M1D, sans vacuum nozzle. But that was before they went to FT and I left.
Elon Musk @elonmuskForming a rocket nozzle
kate.ticeThis morning I saw my first live Merlin single engine test. I can still feel it rumbling in my chest. So. Much. Power. 😍. #spacex #rocketscience #engineering
That second stage engine as pretty deep throttle capability. It can go from 81000 pounds of thrust to 210000 pounds, that's how we target that precision orbit.
Merlin 1 vac was definitively confirmed to be able to throttle below 40% during today's CRS10 launch.Quote from: giNhaEzv_PIThat second stage engine as pretty deep throttle capability. It can go from 81000 pounds of thrust to 210000 pounds, that's how we target that precision orbit.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giNhaEzv_PI?t=220481000/210000=38.5% throttleability
That second stage engine as pretty deep throttle capability. It can go from 81000 pounds of thrust to 210000 pounds, that's how we target that precision orbit.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giNhaEzv_PI?t=2204
With 32 launches of F9 (one didn't make it off the pad), and counting Merlin 1D vac, there have been 320 Merlin 1D engines launched. Is there another active US engine with comparable flight history?
Quote from: S.Paulissen on 04/12/2017 11:05 amWith 32 launches of F9 (one didn't make it off the pad), and counting Merlin 1D vac, there have been 320 Merlin 1D engines launched. Is there another active US engine with comparable flight history?The first 5 launches (F9v1.0) used Merlin 1C engines, no?