Photo: DLR

[Via Satellite 05-12-2016] Airbus Safran Launchers has started its hot-fire testing campaign for Arianespace’s Ariane 6 launch vehicle’s re-ignitable Vinci upper stage engine on the P4.1 test bench at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Lampoldshausen.

The Vinci engine is designed for the upper liquid propulsion module of the launcher. Once ignited, the engine burns for up to 1,000 seconds in development testing. This M5R test phase will last until September 2016.

Airbus Safran Launchers is the prime contractor for the Ariane 6 launcher, combining Airbus Defence and Space’s expertise in launchers — particularly in France and Germany — with Safran’s expertise in liquid and solid rocket propulsion. The initial launch of the Ariane 6 rocket is scheduled for 2020.