Black Knight - BK01

The main objectives of this proving trial were achieved:
ground handling techniques, trials procedures, launching, priming and monitoring equipment, all proved adequate. Propulsion, control, guidance and instrumentation, including telemetry, were satisfactory.

The vehicle failed to reach the full estimated burn-out velocity due to an electrical fault in the destruct command system but 90% of the propellants were successfully burnt. The only major change made as a result of the trial was to eliminate that part of the guidance radar system which provided the "destruct command" facility, limiting the function of the system to guidance only. A second command link was fitted to provide the duplicate "destruct command" system required by WRE.

Number Stages Date local
time Empty
wt [lbs] HTP
[lbs] Kerosene
[lbs} All up
wt [lbs] Burn-out
time [s] Apogee
miles
01 1 7 9 58 20.03 1 424 10 320 1 328 13 072 132.75 140