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This is a gas generator for a U.S. Navy Poseidon C-3 submarine launched ballistic missile. Essentially a small rocket motor, it served as the starting point in the sequential power chain for the thrust vector control (steering) system. Located next to the engine nozzle, it contained an igniter, a supply of combustible solid chemical comound that burned rapidly to produce gas pressure, and an exhaust vent through which the gas flowed into a tubular manifold that led to a turbine.

At nearly two thousand pounds pressure, the gas spun the turbine to 65,000 revolutions per minute. By way of mechanical linkages, this speed translated into a force that operated a hydraulic pump required to operate the vector control system.

Transferred to NASM from the U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Program Office in 1973.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Rockets & Missiles at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Rockets & Missiles
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type CRAFT-Missile & Rocket Parts Manufacturer Lockheed Missiles and Space Co.
 Dimensions 2-D - In Frame (H x W x D): 55.9 × 16.5 × 7.6cm (1 ft. 10 in. × 6 1/2 in. × 3 in.)
 Materials Mainly plastic; phenolic liner; aluminum sections
 Inventory Number A19731668013 Credit Line Transferred from U.S. Navy Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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