Thompson Valves FCx, a part of the global FCx Flow Control Group, has secured an order from Snecma Moteur to supply the Cryogenic Electrovalves used on the Third Stage Engines of the Ariane 5 Satellite Launch Vehicle. The valves chosen by Snecma been used consistently on the Third Stage Engine Fuel Control Systems for the Engine and Bay as well as the Attitude and Control Systems. The new order, for 10 flight sets, will be Thompson Valves FCx’s first Ariane 5 (ESCA) project, although the company and Snecma have worked in partnership for almost 30 years. The electrovalves have been used on more than 100 launches. The Ariane launch vehicle was designed originally as both a commercial satellite and manned spacecraft launch vehicle. It is built around a central cryogenic (liquid oxygen/hydrogen) core and is powered by a single Vulcain engine. Two large Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) provide a large percentage of the initial thrust. A small storable propellant second stage is used for final velocity and insertion manoeuvres.
