Boeing recently demonstrated the versatility of its new 8.5-inch rocket engine, which at 1,100-pounds, is the highest performing rocket engine in its class.

Developed by Rocketdyne, part of Boeing's Integrated Defense Systems, the Multi-Use Thruster, or MUT, was designed to meet current and future requirements for a variety of customer needs. Current applications could include missile defense, strategic weapon platforms and space launch. In the future, MUT could be used in space exploration systems for in-space operations, point-to-point transit, and landing on planetary surfaces.

"The versatility of the MUT is a needed attribute in rocket engine design," said Bill Burns, division director, Attitude Control Propulsion Systems. "Given the MUT's variable thrust levels, as well as the flexibility of using operational-enhanced propellants, we think we have a real winner here. It's by no means a stretch to call the MUT a 'thruster for all seasons'."

This summer, the MUT successfully demonstrated its unique capabilities at the White Sands Missile Range. The throttleable engine performed successfully over a thrust range spanning 50 to 115 percent of its design point. In addition, Rocketdyne successfully tested a high energy nitrogen tetroxide oxidizer in the engine, the use of which permits operation in extremely cold environments and adds a significant performance boost over traditional storable propellants.

The throttling capability of the MUT will allow customers to expand the performance envelopes of their systems without requiring additional propulsion development costs. The Multi-Use Thruster, in combination with other existing, proven attitude control engines, supplies reliable and flexible propulsion capability at thrusts ranging from one pound to well over 1,200 pounds.