Aus dem Airbus Presskit:
The DEMOFLIGHT programme will be present on three flights and involves the performance of a lengthy ballistic phase following separation of the last satellite, after checking that the launcher is in perfect condition and ensuring that it has the necessary resources to carry out these manoeuvres.
The objectives of the DEMOFLIGHT programme are linked to the future use of the VINCI engine, in place of the HM7b engine.
They are primarily:
to validate the thermodynamic behavioural models of the tanks,
to evaluate the effectiveness of the engine chilldown procedures,
to evaluate the effectiveness of the propellant settling procedures.
Nach dem Ende der Mission gabs noch ein paar Tests für Vinci.
Because of the Demoflight experiment, on this mission the ESCA comprises a second Helium sphere for pressurisation of the stage tanks and control of the solenoid valves.
Ein zusätzlicher Heliumtank ist an Bord um die Ventile nach Missionsende zu schalten.
Im Presskit gibts ein paar Bilder zu den Freiflugphasen.
This first DEMOFLIGHT scenario, lasting a total of nearly 50 minutes, can thus be broken down
into 18 basic phases starting after phase 15 of the commercial scenario.
Phases 16, 17 & 18: Self-pressurisation by regeneration of the LOx and LH2 tanks,
Phase 19: Settling of LOx and LH2 propellants,
Phases 20, 21, 22 and 23: Helium pressurisation of the LH2 tank, with continuous propellant
settling,
Phases 24, 25 and 26: Engine chill down (LH2 and Lox),
Phase 27: Perigee decrease boost 1 (Lox, then LH2),
Phases 28, 29 and 30: Perigee decrease boost 2 (LOx and LH2 simultaneously),
Phases 31, 32 & 33: LOx Dome Flushing
The mission is then completed by carrying out phases 16, 17 and 18 of the commercial scenario.
