Light-Gas Launch Services
Light Gas Gun Testing Up to Mach 9
Green Launch fires hydrogen/oxygen light-gas launchers at the U.S. Army's Yuma Proving Ground. Put your projectile, vehicle or payload on a real high-velocity shot.
- Projectile velocities to 2.97 km/sec (Mach 9)
- 7-inch x 55-foot tube, horizontal or vertical firing
- Clean hydrogen/oxygen propellant, water vapor byproduct
12 successful horizontal test firings at Yuma Proving Ground from Dec 2017 to March 2018.
Prefer to talk? Call 619-933-6678
Tell us about your test program
Send a few details about your projectile, payload or test goals. Our team will reply with next steps.
Why test with a light-gas launcher
Mach 9 proven in the field
A one stage light-gas combustion system has pushed projectiles to 2.97 km/sec. That is real field data, not a model.
Lower cost per shot
Light-gas propulsion is a low-cost alternative to conventional rocket launches, so you can run a full test sequence.
Zero-carbon propellant
The gun runs on hydrogen and oxygen. The only byproduct is water vapor.
Safer combustion control
A precision gas injection scheme is designed to prevent errant detonation in the combustion chamber during launch.
Quiet, contained firing
Over 91% of the propellant was captured in a demonstration contract, cutting muzzle flash and acoustic signature.
Army range access
Shots are run at the U.S. Army's Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona with YPG personnel and the Green Launch team.
What our light gas gun does
Green Launch builds and fires combustion light-gas launchers. A chamber of hydrogen and oxygen with multiple igniters drives a projectile down a 7-inch by 55-foot tube. The gun can be fired horizontally for velocity and instrumentation work, or elevated on a support structure for vertical shots into the stratosphere.
We have used this approach for hypersonic vehicle tests, scramjet flights, sub-orbital payloads and atmospheric sampling of the mesosphere. Test vehicles can be built from wound fiberglass, which is light, strong in compression, and transparent to RF so an antenna rides protected inside.
- Projectile velocity achieved: 2.97 km/sec (Mach 9)
- Launch tube: 7-inch bore, 55 feet long
- Horizontal test firing at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona
- Vertical launch to the stratosphere, first flown December 21, 2021 above Mach 3
- Nine hypersonic combustion ramjets (scramjets) launched with SHARP up to Mach 9
- Record for free flying scramjet engine operation at Mach 8
- Over 91% propellant capture demonstrated
- Each shot can vary gas charge pressure, peak release pressure and vehicle weight
Test record to date
“The precision gas injection scheme pioneered by Green Launch is designed to prevent errant detonation in the combustion chamber during launch. This anomaly has limited the efficacy and practicality of legacy combustion launch systems.”
“Green Launch is currently exploring the velocity maximum of a one stage light-gas combustion system. With a combustion chamber containing light-gas fuel, oxidizer and multiple igniters, launch projectile velocities of 2.97 km/sec (Mach 9) have been achieved.”
“Green Launch has demonstrated one of the most significant advancements in the efficiency and sustainability of launch technology. As part of a demonstration contract, Green Launch has captured over 91% of the propellant for a light-gas launcher.”
What happens after you ask
You send your test goals
Share your projectile or payload, target velocity, mass and what data you need.
We review feasibility
Our team, led by physicist Dr. John W. Hunter, checks your test against our launcher and tube limits.
We scope the shot series
You get a plan for firing at Yuma Proving Ground, including shot parameters and next steps.
Frequently asked questions
How fast can your light gas gun launch a projectile?
We have achieved projectile launch velocities of 2.97 km/sec, which is Mach 9, with a one stage light-gas combustion system. Your achievable speed depends on vehicle weight and gas charge parameters, which we set per shot.
What size payload fits?
Shots are fired from a 7-inch by 55-foot launch tube, so your vehicle must fit that bore. Send your dimensions and mass and we will confirm fit.
Where does the testing take place?
All launch and test operations are conducted at the U.S. Army's Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. We serve U.S. defense, government and commercial aerospace customers nationwide.
What does a shot series cost?
Pricing is set per program, based on your vehicle, target velocity and number of shots. Tell us your test plan and we will scope it. For orbital delivery, our Green Express target is $100 per lb.
Is the gun safe to fire near instrumentation?
A precision gas injection scheme is designed to prevent errant detonation in the combustion chamber. We have also captured over 91% of the propellant in a demonstration, which cuts muzzle flash and acoustic signature.
Can you test scramjets and hypersonic vehicles?
Yes. We launched a series of nine hypersonic combustion ramjets with SHARP at velocities up to Mach 9, and hold the record for free flying scramjet engine operation at Mach 8.
Ready to put your vehicle on the gun?
Tell us your target velocity, payload mass and test goals. We will tell you what a light-gas shot series at Yuma Proving Ground looks like for your program.
- Projectile velocities to 2.97 km/sec (Mach 9)
- 7-inch x 55-foot tube, horizontal or vertical firing
- Clean hydrogen/oxygen propellant, water vapor byproduct
Prefer to talk? Call 619-933-6678