A Simulated Altitude Test of a Saturn S-IC Retro Development Motor

I have in my collection a report entitled AEDC-TR-65-85: A Simulated Altitude Test of a Saturn S-IC Retro Development Motor (Test Unit No. SD-20), obtained from a former Thiokol engineer. This report describes the Saturn V S-IC (first) stage's retromotors and provides information about the motor's performance in one of Arnold Engineering Development Center's altitude test cells.

From the report's abstract:

Saturn SIC [sic] retro motor TE-M-424, Test Unit Number SD-20, was fired in Propulsion Engine Test Cell (J- 5) as part of the user's, Thiokol Chemical Corporation, research and development program for this motor. The primary test objectives were to determine ignition characteristics, ballistic performance, and hardware integrity at altitude conditions. The motor was ignited, as planned, by the two ignition systems at a simulated altitude of 113,000 ft and burned at an average altitude of 113,000 ft for a total of 1.5 sec. The effective burn time was 0.626 sec, and the motor produced an effective vacuum impulse of 59,530 lb_f-sec, which is above the specification minimum of 57,300 lb_f-sec. The ignition time of 92 msec is within the specification requirements. Post-fire motor inspection revealed that the hardware integrity was satisfactory.

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Here are some sample pages from the manual:

AEDC-TR-65-85: A Simulated Altitude Test of a Saturn S-IC Retro
Development Motor (Test Unit No. SD-20)

Saturn V S-IC retro motor location Saturn V S-IC retro motors under engine fairing

Saturn V S-IC retro motor overall view

Saturn V S-IC retro motor sectioned view

Saturn V S-IC retro motor AEDC propulsion engine test cell
J-5 spray chamber and elevated tank

Saturn V S-IC retro motor AEDC propulsion engine test cell
J-5 overall testing complex

Saturn V S-IC retro motor AEDC propulsion engine test cell
J-5 artist's cutaway view

Saturn V S-IC retro motor AEDC propulsion engine test cell
J-5 schematic of thrust measuring system

Saturn V S-IC retro motor AEDC propulsion engine test cell
J-5 plan view

Saturn V S-IC retro motor AEDC propulsion engine test cell
J-5 interior view

Saturn V S-IC retro motor AEDC propulsion engine test cell
J-5 overall view post-fire motor condition

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