An unfired Isayev S2.720A bi-propellant regenerative thrust chamber developed for use in the second stage of the Soviet S-75M Surface to Air Missile (SAM) system and produced by the Isayev Design Bureau, circa 1957. This chamber, constructed of various alloys, burns a hypergolic mixture of triethylamine/xylidine (fuel) with nitric acid as the oxidizer and is rated at 34 KN vacuum thrust. Chamber measures 40″ tall and 18″ wide, with an 8.5″ diameter nozzle; approximate weight is 140 lbs. All parts are numbered, with the number written along the top in red felt tip, “C2.72OA1.04000, 312075.” The chamber is also bolted to a custom-made four-legged display stand with an overall height of 45.″ In fine condition. The consignor believes this to be one of around 20 such engines known to exist in this type of ‘museum quality’ condition.
Alexei Isayev (1908–1971) specialized in small-scale, liquid-fueled rocket engines for Soviet manned and unmanned spacecraft. From 1957 to 1967 his engines powered the rockets carrying the first artificial satellites, the first man in space, and the first unmanned probes to the Moon and Venus. At the same time, in the 1950s, he was working on engines for surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) and air-to-sea missiles. The here-offered rocket is similar to the one used to shoot down the supposedly invulnerable U-2 spy plane of Francis Gary Powers. Thought to generate some 7,000 lbs of thrust (equivalent to around 1,200 hp), this type of motor could propel a SAM missile to over three times the speed of sound. A quality engineered artifact of the Cold War and a reminder that the space programs were largely an offshoot of military research and development. In compliance with ITAR regulations, this item is limited to purchase by US Citizens.
RR Auction COA.
