Researchers at South Ural State University (SUSU, Chelyabinsk) have patented a demonstrator of the propulsion system for the first Russian single-stage reusable vertical takeoff and landing launch vehicle. The unique development is equipped with an electronic thrust control system, which makes the flight more stable and economical.
Work on the project has been underway since 2021 with the participation of specialists from the Makeyev State Rocket Center. The new landing module demonstrator is equipped with a multi-chamber engine with a profiled central body and an innovative direction control mechanism. According to Aleksey Shults, design engineer at the "Propulsion and Energy Systems of Aircraft" laboratory, this approach made it possible to simplify the design, reduce the engine weight by 3% and reduce fuel consumption.
The main difference between the Russian technology is the abandonment of bulky mechanical control systems, such as gimbal suspensions and steering gears. Instead, electronic regulators are used, which change the fuel supply - in this case, alcohol - to the combustion chambers. This makes it possible to instantly redistribute thrust between individual chambers and accurately control the direction of the rocket without mechanical components.
As the developers explain, this approach creates a single jet stream in which each chamber can operate independently. If the power of one chamber decreases, the thrust of the opposite chamber increases - this creates a torque that allows you to correct the rocket's course. The system is capable of controlling both individual chambers and groups of chambers, which provides high maneuverability during takeoff and landing.