Snecma Propulsion Solide also produces extendible exit cones made from carbon/carbon composite materials that are fitted to other space rockets:
- The extendible exit cone for the VINCI motor, the power source for the new Ariane 5 ECB launcher.
- The large carbon/carbon extendible exit cone for the Pratt & Whitney RL10-B2 motor fitted to the upper stages of the American Delta IV rockets built by Boeing. Date of the maiden flight: 23 August 2000.
In total, more than 50 flight-ready extendible exit cones have been delivered; clear recognition of the ability of Snecma Propulsion Solide to produce such a key element of a space rocket. This Sepcarb® extendible exit cone offers a significant weight gain compared with a metal exit cone, since it does not need a complex cooling system. This extendible exit cone improves motor performance by increasing the exhaust velocity of the gases, and by adapting the pressure at the outlet to the low pressures present at high altitudes. Another advantage is that, when retracted, the exit cone occupies much less space, making it easier to integrate into the launcher.
Specifications:
Height: 2.5 m
Diameter: 2.1 m Thickness: 2.3 to 3 mm
Mass: 92 kg