Terrier-Black Brant IX Launch Vehicle
Terrier-Black Brant IX Launch Vehicle lift-off from rail
 
Blue Rocket Bullet Maiden Flight ~ November 1982
Blue Rocket Bullet Most Frequently Used Vehicle in the NSROC Stable.
Blue Rocket Bullet Especially Popular for: Geospace Sciences, Plasma Physics, Solar & Heliospheric Sciences, High Energy Astrophysics, UV/Optical Astrophysics, Microgravity Research.
Blue Rocket Bullet Total Launches 14 May 1959 - 8 June 2006: 191
 

There are three versions of the BBIX vehicle used. Each vehicle configuration is flight qualified and is available for mission selection:

  • BBIX Mod 0: Terrier MK 12 - BBVC
  • BBIX Mod 1: Terrier MK 70 - BBVC
  • BBIX Mod 2: Terrier MK 70 - BBVC (with extended cone)
 
Terrier MK during lift-off
 
Vehicle Performance

The first stage booster consists of either a Terrier MK 12 Mod 1 rocket motor or a Terrier MK 70 rocket motor, both of which are equipped with four 340 square inch fin panels arranged in a cruciform configuration. The Terrier booster has a diameter of 18 inches.

The 26 KS 20,000 Black Brant VC rocket motor produces an average thrust level of 17,005 pounds and an action time of 26.9 seconds. The primary diameter of the Black Brant VC is 17.26 inches and it is 210 inches long. Loaded weight of the motor including hardware is 2,789 pounds which includes 2,198 pounds of propellant.

Shot of Black Brant IX during night launch

 
Payload
The standard payload configuration for the Black Brant IX vehicle is 17.26 inches in diameter with a 3:1 ogive nose shape. Payload length and weight limits are not defined as they are for the Black Brant V and specific limitations will be determined as the situation warrants. The burnout roll rate for the second stage Black Brant is three to four cycles per second.