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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.

 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 PROPULSION-Rocket Engines Manufacturer Aerojet General Corp.
 Dimensions Overall: 12 ft. wide x 12 ft. long, 4200 lb. (365.76 x 365.76cm, 1905.1kg)
 Materials Overall, stainless steel, steel, and inconel (nickel, chromium and iron alloy); feed line wrapped with metal tape
 Alternate Name Titan 1 Rocket Engine Inventory Number A19721009000 Credit Line Transferred from U.S. Air Force Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.