HYDROGEN PEROXIDE HISTORY

United Kingdom (1945-1971)

General Information:

The Black Arrow was the United Kingdom's only launch vehicle and it used hydrogen peroxide/kerosene for the main propulsion (Gamma 8  & Gamma 2 Engines) which sucessfully lofted a UK satelite named Prospero. The Black Arrow was a follow on from the Black Knight which also used hydrogen peroxide/kerosene for the main propulsion (Gamma 201 and later Gamma 301 Engines). The Blue Steel rocket power cruise missle also used hydrogen peroxide/kerosene (Stentor Engines). In addition the UK sucessfully developed and fielded many man rated rocket assit hydrogen peroxide based propulsion systems for aircraft: Spectre on the Saunders Roe SR53 and Bristol-Siddeley BS605 on the Bucanneer S.50. Other hydrogen peroxide engines: Alpha, Beta 1, Sprite, Beta 2, Gamma 1, Spectre, Double Spectre, Gamma Type 2, Gamma Type 8, Larch & Scorpion. The UK is the origin of the staged combustion processs were the hydrogen peroxide is decomposed in a screen catalyst bed and then combusted with kerosene fuel. (Ref. 1, 2 & 3)

Photos:   

Black Arrow at Liftoff

Black Arrow on Pad

Black Arrow Clears Tower (Ref. 1)

Black Arrow R2 on Pad Faring Removed

Black Arrow R2 Clears Pad

Black Arrow R3 on Pad Faring Removed

Black Arrow R3 on Pad

Black Arrow R3 Clears Pad

Black Knight BK03 on Pad with Team (Ref. 1)

Gamma 301 Aft View

Sprite Engine Cutaway (Ref. 1)

Stentor Engine Assembly Line (Ref. 1)

Stentor Engine Side View (Ref. 1)

Videos:

Black Arrow R0 Launch (Ref. 1)

Black Knight Launch (Ref. 1)

Blue Steel Drop & Launch (Ref. 1)

Literature:

English Heritage Reprt - High Down Test Site The Needles Isle of Wright Rocket Test Site

RAE - Penalties Incurred in Using Rocket Motors Over Wide Temperature Range

RAE - Developement of Beta I Rocket Motor

RAE - Further Considerations on Selection of an Oxidant for Rocket Motors

References:   

1. Hill, Nicholas, "A Vertical Empire - A History of British Rocketry Programme (1950 - 1971)", URL: www.spaceuk.org [cited July 4, 2008]
2. Sutton, George P., History of Liquid Propellant Rocket Engines, 2006 Edition, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Reston, Virginia
3. Millard, Douglas, The Black Arrow Rocket - A history of a satellite launch vehicle and its engines, NMSI Trading Ltd, Science Museum, London, 2001

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