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| Prototype of the first stage of the Zhuque-3 VTVL-1 launch vehicle. |
| Source: topwar.ru |
The next stage of the so-called initial flight test of the prototype of the first stage of the Zhujue-3 Zhuque-3 VTVL-1 launch vehicle has been carried out in China. A feature of the engine of this stage is that it runs on methane.
The initial flight test is a "jump" of the prototype to a certain height. In this case, the prototype of the first stage rose into the air to a height of 350 m. This is almost twice the figure of the first test stage.
The total time of the "jump" was exactly 1 minute.
Delivery to the launch site was carried out by a tractor truck:
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| Prototype of the first stage of the Zhuque-3 VTVL-1 launch vehicle. |
| Source: topwar.ru |
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| Prototype of the first stage of the Zhuque-3 VTVL-1 launch vehicle. |
| Source: topwar.ru |
Then, with the help of cranes, the device was installed vertically on special foot stands:
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| Prototype of the first stage of the Zhuque-3 VTVL-1 launch vehicle. |
| Source: topwar.ru |
At the appointed time, there was a separation from the ground:
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| Prototype of the first stage of the Zhuque-3 VTVL-1 launch vehicle. |
| Source: topwar.ru |
After reaching the upper point of flight, the power plant returned the device to the launch site. If at the first stage of the initial flight tests the deviation from the designated landing point was 1.6 m, now, as stated, it turned out to be about 1 m.
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| Prototype of the first stage of the Zhuque-3 VTVL-1 launch vehicle. |
| Source: topwar.ru |
The device, which is being developed by the Chinese company LandSpace, will actually make a full flight at 10,000 meters at the third stage of flight tests.
Test preparation and test jump: