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Possibilities for the identification of related propellant
combinations
during the launch of rockets by photos
(with special reference to the Iranian
rockets)
Norbert
Brügge, Germany
Update: 13.02.2012
TG-02 / AK-20 (HNO3 + 20% N2O4)
The fuel TG-02 (= German
Tonka-250) is hydrocarbons, that based
on petroleum (50% Triethylamine + 50% Xylidene). The oxidizer AK-20 is
a mix of 80% IRFNA (HNO3) and 20% NTO (N2O4). Nitrogen Tetroxide (N2O4) has a characteristic reddish-brown
colour in both liquid and gaseous phases. IRFNA (HNO3) is a clear to yellow
liquid which is red fuming on exposure to air.
During the lift-off is a reddish
cloud visible, which is caused by the oxidizer IRFNA (inhabitid red-fuming nitric
acid). Furthermore, during the ascent of the rocket is permanent visible a short
brown plume at the nozzle. This phenomenon is also visible at other missiles,
if IRNA or AK is used as oxidizer.
The Iraqi Al-Abid has used AZ-11 (89% TG-02 +11%
UDMH) as fuel. An analysis of the cloud is not possible because the images are
unclear.
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| Prithvi |
Al-Samoud |
Al-Abbas/Al-Abid |
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TM-185 / AK-27 (HNO3 + 27% N2O4)
TM-185 is a combination of 56% Polymer-destillates with 40%
Light Oil Pyrolyse and 4% Trikresol. Der oxidizer AK-27 include 73% IRFNA (HNO3)
and 27% NTO (N2O4).
This combination of propellant was only used for the Soviet R-12 and R-17
(Scud-B) missiles. During the lift-off is to see the same phenomenon as before
(AK-plume). The Iranian Scud-B variants (Shahab-1, Shahab-2 and Qiam-1) fit into
this scheme. The typically brown plume at the nozzle is AK-oxidizer, and not
soot from hydrocarbons as it is suspected. On the R-12 is the plume not more visible due higher outflow-velocities
at all four nozzles or better combustion properties.
Turpentine / IRFNA (HNO3)
Here, the red-brown plume of IRFNA at the output of the nozzle
is very intense. The cause is the use of 100% of IRFNA oxidizer.
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| French Veronique |
French Vesta |
Saphir/Emeraude
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Diamant-A
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UDMH / AK-27 (HNO3 + 27% N2O4)
Even when a combination with UDMH fuel is
used, is at the exit of the nozzle again visible the brown plume of AK-oxidizer.
UDMH is a clear, hygroscopic liquid which yellows on exposure to air. The cloud
on the ground is varied colored by reddish-brown, yellow, brown and white.
The Iranian Shahab-3 and Ghadr-I fit into this scheme, just as the North Korean
Unha-2. The existence of a R-17M/Hwasong-6 with UDMH as fuel is unconfirmed.
On the R-14 and DF-3 is the plume not more visible due higher outflow-velocities
in all four nozzles or better combustion properties. An evaluation of the Safir-Omid is
due
the launch
at night
not possible.
UDMH / N2O4
When using the combination UDMH/N2O4 is missing the
red-brown plume at the nozzle clear. The
cloud is brown to whitish colored. Initially may appear intensely red-brown fume
or leaking liquids of the same color. It is unburned N2O4 (see UR-500, R-36,
CZ, Diamant).
The Iranian Kavoshgar-1 and Safir-Rasad fit into this scheme. A permanent brown
AK-plume is not present at the nozzle.
Aerozin50 / N2O4
The fuel Aerozin50 include 50% UDMH und 50%
Hydrazine Hydrate. The cloud is therefore predominantly light brown to whitish
colored. During the lift-off again occurring red-brown fumes, are unburned N2O4
oxidizer.
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U.S. Titan
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UH25 / N2O4
The fuel UH-25 include 75% UDMH and 25% Hydrazine
Hydrate. The cloud is
light brown to
whitish colored.
At the beginning may
appear reddish-brown smoke from
unburned N2O4 oxidizer.
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| Ariane-4 |
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