The Lark missile engine was a two-chambered, liquid-fuel rocket engine for the U.S. Navy's Lark ship-to-air missile. The larger chamber produced 400 pounds of thrust. The smaller chamber produced 220 pounds of thrust, or 620 pounds total. The propellants were red fuming nitric acid and aniline. The engine was among the earliest regeneratively-cooled types in the U.S., as pioneered by the manufacturer, Reaction Motors, Inc.
The cutaway, shown here, reveals the regeneratively-cooled propellant walls around the combustion chamber. The Lark was designed in late 1944 but came too late to be used in the war. It became converted to a test vehicle and was phased out about 1953. This object was found in the Smithsonian collections.
Display Status
This object is on display in Rockets & Missiles at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Rocket Engines
Manufacturer
Reaction Motors, Inc.
Dimensions
Overall: 11 in. wide x 9 in. long (27.94 x 22.86cm)
Materials
Stainless steel
Inventory Number
A19730007000
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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