Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

The LR91 was the second stage engine for the two-stage Titan I, which was a U.S. Air Force Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). Titan I was conceived in 1954 to close the "missile gap" between the U.S. and Soviet Union. Although the Atlas ICBM was already under development, the USAF authorized Titan as a backup.

Developed by Aerojet-General, the LR91-AJ-1 engine produced 80,000 pounds of thrust and had a burn time of 160 seconds. Its propellants were liquid oxygen and RP-1, a type of kerosene. The LR91 featured a turbopump, a regeneratively-cooled thrust chamber assembly, and an asbestos-based ablative skirt. LR91 testing began in 1956.

The first successful flight of Titan I was in 1959 from Cape Canaveral. It became operational in 1962 and was deployed in five U.S. states. Because Titan II was more advanced, Titan I was deactivated in 1965.

The U.S. Air Force transferred this engine to the Smithsonian in 1969.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Nation of Speed at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

Nation of Speed
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Rocket Engines Manufacturer Aerojet General Corp.
 Dimensions Overall: 4ft 8 1/2in. x 4ft 9in. x 5ft 9in. x 2ft 11 1/2in., 4700lb. (143.51 x 144.78 x 175.26 x 90.17cm, 2131.9kg)
 Materials Aluminum, Steel, Fiberglass, Rubber (Silicone), Stainless Steel, Plastic, Paper, Paint, Magnesium, Adhesive
 Inventory Number A19721010000 Credit Line Transferred from the 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.