Black Knight - BK16

BK16 was the proving trial of the Black Knight vehicle for re-entry physics experiments (Project Dazzle). It was a two-stage vehicle powered for the first time by a Gamma 301 engine. A transistor control system was also tested for the first time. To meet the requirements for the re-entry physics experiments, ignition of the second stage was timed to occur at about one million feet and the head was separated from the second stage at an increased velocity in order to achieve re-entry of the head well separated (15,000 feet) from the rest of the vehicle at re-entry. To ensure acquisition of the re-entry of the head by ground instruments, a "C" band transponder was flown in the second stage and tracked by AN/FPS.16 radars at the range. The head was a 15o semi-angle copper cone, shape G.W.20, a type to be flown later in the Dazzle programme. As with BK15, limited ground instrumentation was available to obtain some re-entry data. Dynamics and head temperature measurements during re-entry were also included in this trial. Some upper atmosphere experiments: proportional counter, electron temperature and Faraday rotation, were also carried out. Propulsion was very good, a re-entry velocity of 14,600 ft/sec was achieved at 200,000 feet. Telemetry was successful: all engine pressures, control system parameters and guidance data were successfully recorded. Motor bay temperatures were measured on the ascent.

Once again, as with BK15, difficulties with guidance telescope tracking necessitated a change back to radar information for guidance until telescope tracking was resumed. All the aims of the trial were achieved. The Gamma 301 engine and the transistor control system were both proved in flight. Separation and ignition of the second stage and separation of the head were achieved according to plan. The FPS.16 radars successfully tracked the "C" band transponder and excellent records were obtained from which the trajectory and all events (second stage separation, spin and ignition and head separation) were determined. The range at Woomera was provided with an excellent opportunity of rehearsing for the "Re-entry Physics" experiments to follow. The head tape recorder was recovered and data on re-entry dynamics and temperatures was obtained. The trial confirmed expected re-entry characteristics of an uncontaminated low-drag head.

Number Stages Date local
time Empty
wt [lbs] HTP
[lbs] Kerosene
[lbs} All up
wt [lbs] Burn-out
time [s] Apogee
miles

16 2 24 8 62 21.08 2 183 10 300 1 304 13 787 128.3 356