Reaction Motors XLR-11

The Reaction Motors XLR -11 ( Navy designation Reaction Motors XLR -8) is a U.S. liquid-fuel rocket engine. It was the first of this type in the U.S. for use in manned aircraft.

The development began in 1944 in the Reaction Motors, Inc. The engine had four combustion chambers, although they could not be throttled, but in flight were individually switched on and off. Each of these combustion chambers had a thrust of 6.7 kN at first, so that overall a thrust of 26.7 kN could be generated. Later 8.9 kN per combustion chamber have been achieved, a maximum of 35.6 kN. The weight at this time was only 96 kg. As fuel, liquid oxygen and alcohol was used.

The first flight of a sharp XLR11 engine took place in 1946. This engine is flown in both the first time the sound barrier has been broken ( the Bell X- 1) and the first time faster than twice the speed of sound. This was achieved with Douglas D -558 -II. Furthermore, it was used in the Republic XF 91, and the Martin Marietta X-24.

Last equipped with this engine model, the North American X-15, which was equipped with the first flight tests with two of these engines.

  • Rocket engine (aviation )
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