The NK-3 liquid-fuel engine with 4.5 tons of thrust is being created for use as part of the first and second stages of the Voronezh ultra-light launch vehicle

Photo: United Engine Corporation

United Engine Corporation included in Rostec State Corporation showcases a full-scale mockup of the NK-3 engine for the Voronezh ultra-light launch vehicles at Technoprom International Forum of Technological Development. This is the first rocket engine of such class built in modern Russia. The solution will offer new opportunities for launching small satellites and space program development. 

The NK-3 liquid-fuel rocket engine with 4.5 tons of thrust is being created by UEC-Kuznetsov for use as part of the first and second stages of the Voronezh ultra-light launch vehicle. Design groundwork for the mass-produced RD-107А space engine servo for Soyuz space launch vehicles is used as a chamber prototype. Other assemblies and parts are designed from scratch. At present, conceptual design has been completed and detailed design documentation is being developed. 

Three zero-emission fuel engine modifications are being created. The first launch vehicle stage includes 12 engines. The second stage is equipped with one NK-3 with an altitude-compensating nozzle and double launch capability. A part of the first stage engines and the second stage engine will be equipped by a thrust vectoring system for launch vehicle flight-path correction. It is planned to use the small-lift launch vehicle for carrying relatively small satellites into orbit. The project will allow Russia to enter the commercial ultra-light launch segment.