Project Phases and Names

Chimera will be developed via a series of phases. They are:

Phase 1 - Research
Phase 2 - Chimera B0 (bench motor)
Phase 3 - Chimera X1 (flight motor)

Ceseroni (Pro38) have acquired Hypertek hybrids

Cesaroni Technology Incorporated (CTI) is announcing that it is now manufacturing and distributing the HyperTEK^® Hybrid Propulsion System under license from Spacetek, Inc. HyperTEK^® is a modular, hybrid propellant rocket motor system that uses readily available nitrous oxide (N₂O) and thermoplastic fuel grains. Designed primarily for use in launching small experimental payloads by universities, colleges, research institutes and sport rocketry enthusiasts, the system is also intended to be a technology demonstrator for CTI's and eAc's hybrid propulsion technology.

Extensive research and development by CTI and eAc has yielded a high tech, low cost rocket motor alternative to the current solid propellant rocket motor. Hybrid motors have several safety advantages over solids. The fuel and oxidizer are isolated from each other until just before ignition, thus eliminating the requirement for a low explosive permit during transportation and storage of rocket motors. HyperTEK^® hybrid propulsion system uses a remote fill/fire launch system as well as 100% pyrotechnic free ignition system.

HyperTEK^® flight motors consist of three major parts: the oxidizer tank, the injector bell and the fuel grain. The fuel grain is molded from thermoplastic and has an insert-molded silica/phenolic nozzle. This monolithic grain functions as both the fuel and the combustion chamber. Complicated assembly of a reloadable system has been eliminated by incorporating the fuel, nozzle and motor case into one injection molded component. The fuel grain simply screws onto the injector bell prior to flight and the spent fuel grain is unscrewed and disposed of after each flight. J and Original L motors include an injector bell with field interchangeable injector orifices for tailoring the time/thrust profile to the needs of the rocket. Potential applications include small sounding rockets, RATO boosters and more.

Welcome Team

Welcome Team. This is a BLOG that we can use to discuss Project Chimera.

Project Chimera has its own BLOG, this BLOG, but it also has a Zoho Notebook project space, which includes many notebook pages. These pages will expand, and cover different aspects of the design and the project. Over time, I'll be sharing these pages with you so that you can participate. Right now, the most important page is the Design Issues Log (a Google Spreadsheet) and the Research Links (del.icio.us).

Chimera Zoho Project Notebook
Chimera Design Issues Log
Chimera Document Library

You will need a Zoho Account (free) and a Google Account (free) in order to use the Chimera pages and tools. And I recommend getting your own del.icio.us page.

Inception of Project Chimera

PARS has begun the initial research phase of Project Chimera, code name for hybrid.

Chimera is an attempt, by PARS, to design, build, test and fly, a hybrid rocket rocket motor. It could take years. The first step is some serious learning and research.

The most common hybrid configuration is a rocket engine composed of an inert solid oxidising propellant (for example a plastic) lining a combustion chamber into which an inert gaseous propellant (for example NOX) is injected so as to undergo a strong exothermic reaction to produce hot gas that is emitted through a De Laval nozzle for propulsive purposes. Designing and building such a rocket is non trivial.

The workshop facilities at local schools attended by PARS members will be enlisted in the effort should we get to Build Phase. A skilled machinist is a prerequisite. And while hybrid motors are considered "safer" than solid motors, there are still many important safety considerations to take into account.

/Project Inception May 2007
/Current Phase: Research