Aerojet 260

The Aerojet 260 was an experimental solid rocket motor constructed and tested in the mid 1960s by Aerojet for NASA.[1][2][3][4]

History

In the 1960s the 260 was initially designed to test the feasibility of solid rocket motors for space exploration, including use on the lower stage of the Saturn V. As a result, three 260-inch diameter boosters were constructed. The diameter of the rocket motors made transport by rail impossible, as casings were restricted to a 156-inch diameter.[5] To solve this problem Aerojet constructed a new canal leading to their facility in Florida which allowed for delivery of the boosters by barge. Two tests of the boosters (SL-1 and SL-2) were carried out and were reportedly visible up to 80 miles away. The motor third (SL-3) remains in the test silo to this day.

Specifications
Diameter 260 inches (6.6m)
Length 80.7 feet (24.6m)
expansion ratio 6:1
mass 1,858,300lb (842,910.7kg)

References
  1. Baker, J. (1978-07-25). "Methods used for Space Shuttle SRB thrust shape design". 14th Joint Propulsion Conference. Las Vegas,NV,U.S.A.: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. doi:10.2514/6.1978-986.
  2. Andrepont, Wilbur; Felix, Rafael (1994-06-27). "THE HISTORY OF LARGE SOLID ROCKET MOTOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE UNITED STATES". 30th Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit. Indianapolis,IN,U.S.A.: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. doi:10.2514/6.1994-3057.
  3. Hall, A.M. (1968-01-01). "The Metallurgy, Behavior, and Application of the 18-Percent Nickel Maraging Steels" – via Defense Technical Information Center. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  4. Crimmins, P. "THE 260 - The Largest Solid Rocket Motor Ever Tested" (PDF). NASA. Retrieved 2022-11-07.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. "SL-1: 260-inch solid rocket motor test firing – Aerospace Projects Review Blog". www.aerospaceprojectsreview.com. Retrieved 2022-10-29.


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