CAS Space has successfully completed key testing for its self-developed Liqing-1 and Liqing-2 pintle-type liquid oxygen kerosene engines. These tests focused on verifying performance and reliability for future flight missions.
The 30-ton class Liqing-1 engine underwent multiple ignition tests, covering a thrust range of 40% to 100%. It achieved a cumulative test duration of over 700 seconds, with a single run lasting 300 seconds. Total reliability testing for this model now exceeds 2,000 seconds. It is designed to power the Lihong-2 reusable launch vehicle.
The 110-ton class Liqing-2 engine completed long-duration tests, with individual runs exceeding 1,000 seconds. Its cumulative reliability testing has surpassed 5,000 seconds. The engine incorporates advanced combustion and pump technologies to support the high-frequency, low-cost reuse of the Lijian-2 launch vehicle.
Testing protocols evaluated the engines under various conditions, including different inlet pressures, mixture ratios, and subcooled liquid oxygen. These trials provided data on performance boundaries and operational stability, leading to improvements in combustion efficiency and pump cavitation characteristics.
