RX Experimental Boosters: Technical Specifications and Flight History
The RX (Roket Eksperimental) series represents a diverse family of individual boosters designed for experimental aerospace research. These rockets vary significantly in scale, from small-diameter prototypes to large-scale boosters designed to reach hypersonic speeds and high altitudes.
The development of the RX series focuses on scaling diameter and thrust to test various payload capacities and atmospheric reaches. While some models have seen extensive flight testing, others remain in the design or construction phases as the program pushes toward higher performance benchmarks.
Key Facts
- RX-550 Performance: Capable of reaching Mach 7.62, placing it in the hypersonic category.
- Operational Range: The RX-450 has achieved a range of 129 km and an apogee (maximum altitude) of 44-84 km.
- Longest Active Service: The RX-250 was active for two decades, from 1987 to 2007.
- Testing Locations: Key launches have occurred at the Space and Atmospheric Observation & Technology Testing Center in Garut, West Java, and the Karang Papak Air Force Base.
- Future Scaling: The series plans to scale up to the RX-750 and RX-980 models.
Technical Evolution of the RX Family
The RX series has evolved through several iterations, with each version increasing in diameter and power. The early models, such as the RX-250, established the foundation for the program, while later models like the RX-450 and RX-1220 have refined the delivery of payloads into the upper atmosphere.
The Mid-Range Boosters: RX-250 to RX-420
The RX-250 served as a workhorse for the program, flying eight times between 1987 and 2007. It was followed by the RX-320, which flew three times (twice in 2008 and once in 2014), and the RX-420, which flew a single mission in 2009 before being superseded by the more capable RX-450.
Advanced Models: RX-450 and RX-1220
The RX-450 represents a significant leap in capability, featuring a diameter of 450 mm and a total mass of 1,718 kg. It has been launched five times between 2015 and 2020. In 2017, both the RX-450 and the RX-1220 were successfully launched from Garut, West Java. The RX-1220 is specifically based on the R-HAN122 B design and saw further testing with two launches at the Karang Papak Air Force Base on December 23, 2018.
Hypersonic and Future Developments
The RX-550 marks the program's entry into hypersonic flight, defined as speeds exceeding Mach 5. With a recorded speed of Mach 7.62, the RX-550 pushes the boundaries of atmospheric friction and thermal management. Looking forward, the RX-750 and RX-980 are currently in the design phase, with the RX-980 estimated to reach a range of 1,000 to 2,000 km.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
Comparative Specifications
The following table outlines the measured and design characteristics of the RX booster family. Note that values in italics represent design targets that have not yet been measured.
| Version | Diameter (mm) | Length (m) | Thrust (kN) | Burn Time (s) | Specific Impulse (s) | Total Mass (kg) | Apogee (km) | Range (km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX-75 | 75 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| RX-100 | 100 | 1.90 | 2.5 | 30 | 7 | 11 | - | - |
| RX-1220 | 122 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| RX-150 | 150 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| RX-250 | 250 | 5.30 | 53 | 6.0 | 220 | 300 | 70-100 | - |
| RX-320 | 320 | 4.74 | 52 | 9.0 | 220 | 532 | 40-42 | - |
| RX-420 | 420 | - | 94 | - | 220 | 425 | 43 | 90 |
| RX-450 | 450 | 7.11 | 126 | 19.5 | 230 | 1718 | 44-84 | 129 |
| RX-550 | 550 | - | 255 | 14 | 240 | 1519 | - | - |
| RX-750 | 750 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| RX-980 | 980 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1,000-2,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does RX stand for in the context of these boosters?
RX stands for Roket Eksperimental, indicating that these are experimental rockets used for research and development.
Which RX booster is classified as hypersonic?
The RX-550 is classified as hypersonic because it reaches a speed of Mach 7.62.
What is the relationship between the RX-1220 and other rocket designs?
The RX-1220 is based on the R-HAN122 B design.
Which RX model has the highest recorded range?
Among the measured flights, the RX-450 has the highest recorded range at 129 km, though the future RX-980 is estimated to reach between 1,000 and 2,000 km.
Where have the RX boosters been tested?
Testing has been conducted at the Space and Atmospheric Observation & Technology Testing Center in Garut, West Java, as well as the Karang Papak Air Force Base.