Keywords
Citation
(1999), "H2A rocket suppliers choose SP-700 due to better performance", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 71 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1999.12771bad.019
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1999, MCB UP Limited
H2A rocket suppliers choose SP-700 due to better performance
H2A rocket suppliers choose SP-700 due to better performance
Keywords Alloys, NKK, Rockets, Titanium
Suppliers of Japan's next-generation space rocket, the H2A, have chosen NKK's new titanium alloy SP-700 as a composite gas tank material. The order was received from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd (MHI), which will supply the gas tanks (56cm-diameter spherical tanks to store gas for operating engine valves), and will see the SP-700 replace the Ti-6A1-4V, which has traditionally been the major titanium alloy for aerospace applications.
The SP-700 reportedly exhibits remarkable superplasticity below 800°C, more than 100°C lower than the Ti-6A1-4V which has suffered from poor workability in fabrication and a very high working temperature. The first H2A, designed as the successor to the current H2, is slated for launch in early 2000 and will feature a redesigned body, changes in materials and production processes, and overseas procurement, in an attempt to drastically reduce costs.
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