Exterior of the P4.1 test rig
Exterior of the P4.1 test rig
The new Vinci upper stage engine is being tested in test rig P4.1 at the DLR site in Lampoldshausen as part of the Ariane 6 programme. This campaign is an important milestone for the development of future European launchers; their flexibility will be greatly enhanced with the re-ignitable engine. DLR conducted hot running tests on Vinci under space conditions using self-developed steam generators. During this test, the engine was ignited three times and can burn for up to 820 seconds during an experiment in a vacuum at less than six millibars. A maximum of five ignitions are possible. The test campaign began on 4 May, 2016 and will last until September 2016. The first launch of an Ariane 6 is planned for 2020.
