Some discussions in the Russian press about Orbital using the NPO Energomash RD-193 for a new Antares engine.http://en.itar-tass.com/non-political/757591
not enough launch history. Can't see this as a real fix.
Quote from: Prober on 10/31/2014 05:48 pmnot enough launch history. Can't see this as a real fix.Huh? Launch history is not a requirement. The AJ-26 had no launch history before Antares flew for the first time. The RD-180 didn't have launch history before the first Atlas III launch.
Quote from: LOXRP1 on 10/31/2014 03:59 pmSome discussions in the Russian press about Orbital using the NPO Energomash RD-193 for a new Antares engine.http://en.itar-tass.com/non-political/757591not enough launch history. Can't see this as a real fix.
Quote from: Prober on 10/31/2014 05:48 pmQuote from: LOXRP1 on 10/31/2014 03:59 pmSome discussions in the Russian press about Orbital using the NPO Energomash RD-193 for a new Antares engine.http://en.itar-tass.com/non-political/757591not enough launch history. Can't see this as a real fix.It seems to be happening, if the quote of Orbital Sciences Vice-President for Public Relations Barron Beneski is correct. There really is no other choice besides something from Energomash unless Orbital decides to fund its own engine. RD-193 is designed to replace NK-33, while being based on existing RD-170/180 technology and know how. It will also eventually power Soyuz 2-1v. Energomash has been test firing RD-193 since 2012. - Ed Kyle
You made my point Jim....don't think Orbital management wants another low launch history engine. Orbital is not ULA, IMHO they would prefer the RD-180 if they must upgrade.
something has changed last two days then. Frank was talking the other direction.
Quote from: Prober on 10/31/2014 06:23 pmYou made my point Jim....don't think Orbital management wants another low launch history engine. Orbital is not ULA, IMHO they would prefer the RD-180 if they must upgrade.No, I did not. Again, you are jumping to the wrong conclusion. There are not flight ready engines available. Who the heck do you think picked this engine? It was Orbital management.
I suspect that integrating RD-180 with Antares would be more difficult than RD-193, due to the one engine vs two engines issue.
Why is the RD-193 "questionable"? It's a new engine by the same company that makes the very reliable RD-180, it's designed specifically to replace the current engine on Antares, and it's derived from an existing line of engines. Not really the same situation as AJ-26.
Besides the fact that they end up depending on Russian engines, and should relations sour again that would be a problem. Why not just opt to fly with atlas and save themselves the trouble?
big differences who does Orbital go for support?AJ-26 ARRD-180 RD AMROSSRD-193