Ground-Test and Flight Results of LE-7A FTP with an Alternate Inducer

An alternate inducer for the LE-7A fuel turbopump (FTP) was newly developed to eliminate the deterioration of suction performance of the original inducer at low net positive suction head (NPSH). Detailed data of the pump inducer were obtained in tests of both the turbopump alone and the engine system. In these tests, a hydrogen inlet feed line of the same configuration as that employed in actual flight was used. The tests were conducted in wide ranges of inlet pressures and flow rates. The second test flight of the H-IIA launch vehicle, in which the LE-7A FTP with the alternate inducer was installed, was successfully carried out in February 2002. Many flight data concerning the LE-7A FTP were obtained and analyzed. The results of both ground tests and test flights of the FTP with the alternate inducer are presented in this paper.