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Shown here is the larger chamber of a two-chamber liquid-fuel rocket engine for the Navy's Lark surface-to-air missile. It produced 400 pounds of thrust, firing only when the Lark fell below a certain pre-determined velocity. The smaller chamber produced 220 pounds of thrust. The Lark, which also relied on two 1,000-pound solid propellant boosters during shipboard launch, burned fuming nitric acid and aniline to reach a maximum range of 38 miles. Initially developed late in World War II as an anti-Kamikaze missile, the Lark never entered service, but the Navy used it as a test vehicle until the early 1950s for ongoing studies of radar guidance and missile stability and control.

This engine is among the first to incorporate regenerative cooling technology, pioneered by the manufacturer--Reaction Motors. In this cutaway, the regeneratively cooled propellant walls are visible around the combustion chamber.

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 United States of America Type PROPULSION-Rocket Engines Manufacturer Reaction Motors, Inc.
Dimensions Overall: 27.9 x 10.8 x 5.7cm (11in. x 4 1/4in. x 2 1/4in.)
Length, overall 11 inches; length, chamber, 10.5 inches; outside diameter, maximum, 3.5 inches; outside diameter, at nozzle end, 2 inches 10/16 inches; inside diameter, main section of chamber, 3 inches
Materials Stainless Steel
Inventory Number A19990027000 Credit Line Found in collection. Donor unknown at this time. Found on NASM premises. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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