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The V-2 engine turbopump and steam generator assembly drew the propellants--liquid oxygen and alcohol--from the missile's tanks and injected them under pressure into the combustion chamber. At a thrust of 25 metric tons (about 56,000 lb), the V-2 was the world's first large liquid-propellant rocket engine, a groundbreaking historical accomplishment. It was also the first large pumped rocket engine, following on earlier experiments in Germany. The turbopump moved approx. 4200 kg (9200 lb) of water alcohol and 5500 kg (12,200 lb) of liquid oxygen from the tanks to the engine during the 60-second burning time. Driving the turbopump was the steam generator, which used hydrogen peroxide mixed with a catalyst. Those liquids were forced into a mixing chamber by compressed air.

These artifacts are a gift of the Thiokol Chemical Corporation, inherited from Reaction Motors Inc., which had acquired them for post-World War II testing.

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Object Details
Country of Origin Germany Type PROPULSION-Accessories (to an Engine) Manufacturer Klein, Schanzlin & Becker, Germany
Dimensions Overall: 2ft 4in. x 2ft 5in. x 2ft 8in. (71.12 x 73.66 x 81.28cm)
Materials steel, aluminum
Inventory Number A19771237000 Credit Line Gift of Reaction Motors Div., Thiokol Chemical Corp. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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