Aircraft

Texas-based Armadillo Aerospace's liquid oxygen and alcohol engine completed three test flights on 25-26 August at Clinton Sherman Industrial Airpark in Burns Flat, Oklahoma in a modified Rocket Racing League Velocity XL. Each flight averaged about 10min and the top speed was 190kt (350km/h). The engine has been selected by the Rocket Racing League for its six registered teams, although a rival engine, developed by Xcor Aerospace, based at Mojave air and space port, could be used by teams if its performance improves. More Armadillo engine test flights will take place in the coming weeks and a first demonstration race is scheduled for the 2008 Reno Air Races this month, pending approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration. The first public Rocket Racing demonstration flights used the Xcor LOX and kerosene engine at the 2008 Experimental Aircraft Association Oshkosh AirVenture show.

© James Bauer