Armadillo Aerospace News: Big engine mounts, 50% tests

We debated the exact engine mounting strategy for the big vehicle for some time, but we settled on a simple solution that wastes a bit of weight, but works out conveniently. The initial test flights will be with 5.5” diameter engines with 2” diameter throats, but the final engines will be much larger. We built mounting plates that clamp to the bottom of the tank manway flange on the inside, and are supported by two ¾” thick studs on the outside. To attach to the tank, we cut ¾” coupling nuts at an angle, and welded them to 3” by 3” squares of perforated metal. These squares will be bonded to the tank with epoxy / chopped glass fiber. The engines will be canted with angled shims above the mounting plate, just like the smaller vehicle. Read More