We are excited to announce the USCRPL 2025 Hi-AL Kiwi and first-ever Emu Characterization Campaigns! This test campaign comprises over fifteen solid propellant motor firings to characterize the new propellant Hi-AL. A select number of these firings will also begin the laboratory’s journey into finocyl grain geometry. Testing will take place in the coming weeks and with the support of the Reaction Research Society at their Mojave Test Area site. USCRPL will use the data collected during these firings to finalize the design of an upcoming full-scale static fire. Hi-AL is a proprietary high aluminum content propellant that USCRPL’s students manufacture at Exquadrum's facilities. With Exquadrum’s infrastructural support, Hi-AL has been in development for the better part of a decade and marks the most significant advancement in the capability and properties of our propellant in the laboratory’s history. The mixture will allow us to increase the rate of motor production, introduce new grain geometries, and improve specific energy. Kiwi tests are static firings of singular propellant grains inside aluminum cases at a 4” scale. The structure of these tests looks nothing like that of a vehicle static fire and instead attempts to control all variables spare the propellant. These tests are named after Kiwis since Kiwis, like these cases, are flightless birds. Emu tests are identical to Kiwis but with double the grain length and propellant. Emus will allow USCRPL to test Hi-AL at higher chamber pressures and longer burn times.?
USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory that is an outstanding mission patch! ?? Good luck for your testing
I don't care about about the perfectly logical rationale for naming these tests after flightless birds. Choosing a kiwi and an emu solely to create this outstandingly ridiculous image is justification enough. ?? Good luck with your tests!
Where's Doug?
We're really happy to support and mentor USC and the RPL team in safely mixing, casting, and curing solid propellants. What an impressive group of students!
Head of Rocket Propulsion
1 个月This is super impressive! I would like to hear more about this and interested in talking with students involved who are looking for summer internships! DM me or email at [email protected]