Object Details
Manufacturer
Aerojet General Corp.
Summary
The XLR-87 rocket engine powered the first stage of the two-stage Titan I intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). It consists of two side-by-side rocket chambers; the missile's second stage was a one-chamber engine. Both first-and second-stage engines used liquid oxygen and kerosene. This engine produced about 150,000 pounds of thrust from each chamber, or 300,000 pounds total, and was built by the Aerojet General Corporation.
Developed from 1954 as a backup to the Atlas ICBM, the Titan I was intended to help close the "missile gap" with the Soviet Union during the Cold War. It was later replaced by the improved Titan II, that had storable fuels and could be prepared for launch faster. The Titan II also launched the two-man Project Gemini spacecraft. This object was donated to the Smithsonian in 1972 by the U.S. Air Force.
Alternate Name
Titan 1 Rocket Engine
Credit Line
Transferred from U.S. Air Force
Inventory Number
A19721009000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PROPULSION-Rocket Engines
Materials
Overall, stainless steel, steel, and inconel (nickel, chromium and iron alloy); feed line wrapped with metal tape
Dimensions
Overall: 12 ft. wide x 12 ft. long, 4200 lb. (365.76 x 365.76cm, 1905.1kg)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Location
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA
Exhibit Station
Rockets & Missiles
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19721009000