Abstract: A rocket engine with an extendible exit cone including an exhaust nozzle for gas from a combustion chamber, the nozzle presenting a longitudinal axis having a first portion defining a nozzle throat and a stationary first exit cone segment, at least one extendible second exit cone segment of section greater than the section of the stationary first exit cone segment, and an extension mechanism for extending the extendible second exit cone segment, the mechanism being located outside the first and second exit cone segments. A rigid thermal protection shield is interposed between the extension mechanism and the stationary first exit cone segment. The thermal protection shield presents a convex wall on its face facing towards the stationary first exit cone segment.

Abstract: A test bench for a reaction engine including a nozzle having a divergent. The bench includes a mechanism for holding the divergent in position, capable of holding the divergent so that its axis is vertical, and capable of interacting with a downstream portion of the divergent located in the downstream half thereof to limit distortion and/or displacement of this downstream portion. The test bench enables the divergent to remain undamaged even if lateral forces are applied to it during testing.

Abstract: A rocket engine with an extendible exit cone including an exhaust nozzle for gas from a combustion chamber, the nozzle presenting a longitudinal axis having a first portion defining a nozzle throat and a stationary first exit cone segment, at least one extendible second exit cone segment of section greater than the section of the stationary first exit cone segment, and an extension mechanism for extending the extendible second exit cone segment, the mechanism being located outside the first and second exit cone segments. A rigid thermal protection shield is interposed between the extension mechanism and the stationary first exit cone segment. The thermal protection shield presents a convex wall on its face facing towards the stationary first exit cone segment.

Abstract: Inducer equipment adapted to a pump having large induction capacity which cludes a case surrounding an inducer rotor having a plurality of blades leaving clearance relative to the case. The clearance between the peripheral portions of the blades and the case is of an increased value greater than the value of the normal clearance over a zone which extends both into a cylindrical first portion of the inside wall of the case upstream from the inducer rotor and into a portion of the inside wall of the case adjacent to the cylindrical first portion and overlapping an upstream portion of the inducer rotor over a distance from the leading edges of the blades of the inducer rotor. The ratio between the clearance of increased value and the clearance of normal value is advantageously greater than 10.