Orbital Minotaur VI - Manual (Page 26)

Minotaur IV • V • VI User’s Guide Section 2.0 – Minotaur IV Configurations
2.3.6. Minotaur IV Launch Vehicle Enhanced
Performance Configurations
The modular design of the Minotaur IV vehicle
allows for a substantial increase in performance
with minimal vehicle changes. The Minotaur IV
Enhanced Performance Configurations utilize the
identical flight proven Peacekeeper stages,
mechanical structures, avionics hardware,
mechanical pneumatics, and ordnance
subsystems as the base Minotaur IV vehicle.
The Minotaur IV
Enhanced Performance
Configurations are built to the same stringent
requirements as the Minotaur IV vehicle and
undergo an identical rigorous testing program.
2.3.6.1. Minotaur IV+ (STAR 48 Stage 4)
The flight proven Minotaur IV+ vehicle, shown in
Figure 2.3.6.1-1, utilizes the larger STAR 48BV
motor in place of the standard Stage 4 Orion 38
motor. Minotaur IV+ provides approximately 200
kg of increased performance to low-earth circular
orbits and enables missions requiring highly
elliptical orbits. The Minotaur IV+ vehicle is able to
offer this increased performance without
sacrificing available payload volume.
The adjustments necessary for the Minotaur IV+
only require the exchange of the standard Orion
38 composite Motor Adapter Cone for the STAR
48BV Motor Adapter Cone and the addition of a
short extension structure to allow for the
increased motor length.
The STAR 48BV provides an average burn time of
85.2 seconds at an average thrust of 68.63 kN
(15.43 k-lbf). The total STAR 48BV mass is
2171 kg (4777 lbm), including a propellant mass
of 2014 kg (4431 lbm).
Figure 2.3.6.1-1. Minotaur IV+ Enhancement
Release 2.0 June 2013 11