Liberty, SC– Since the introduction of the National Aeronautics and Space Act in 2010 and more recently the US Government initiative to replace the Russian RD-180 Rocket engine on the Atlas V launch vehicle with an American made engine, Champion has realized an increased interest in use of its ignition system solutions for space applications. Champion is developing solutions to meet challenges in pressure and varying fuels used in space travel. Many pedigreed space ignition system solutions use legacy ignition system technology and Champion seeks to provide higher pressure capable and more reliable ignition system designs for future space applications in propulsion engines or reaction control system thrusters.
Additionally, re-usable launch systems increase the need for reliable and common ignition system solutions that can be leveraged across multiple programs. Tom Fleetwood, Director of Engineering at Champion Aerospace adds “Champion not only takes a business approach to these opportunities, but also a nationalistic approach to support the United States and its Strategic Partners in achievement of their space exploration goals and objectives.”
Champion Aerospace has and continues to support or develop space rated ignition systems and components within the space community with organizations that include: Aerojet-Rocketdyne (Was separately Aerojet and Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne), Blue Origin, NASA, Orion Propulsion, Roush, Tethers Unlimited, and Wask Engineering. Much of the new activity is evolving around high pressure capable spark igniter solutions for new propulsion applications as well as critical legacy application support for manned space travel. Champion small device technology recently supported NASA’s first 3D printed demonstrator engine in 2015 as the need for lower cost solutions for engine hardware continues.
Champion Aerospace LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of TransDigm Group (NYSE:TDG), is a leading global designer, producer and supplier of aircraft ignition system technology and airframe power solutions for use on nearly all commercial, piston and military aircraft in service today. Champion ignition components powered the Wright brothers first powered flight in 1903 and have continued to power the skies ever since.