Bearings for turbopumps

FAG Aerospace has developed – jointly with NASA and Pratt and Whitney - the bearings for the main engines (oxygen and hydrogen turbopumps) of the Space Shuttle. The newly developed FAG bearings do not have to be replaced after every launch, as was the case with the previously used bearings; they can be used for many launches.

The bearings for the turbopumps in the propulsion system of the European launcher, Ariane, are also supplied by FAG Aerospace.

FAG success factors:

• Many years of experience in aerospace bearing engineering
• Special materials extend the life of the bearings several times
• Ceramic balls and rollers
• Bearing rings of nitrogen alloyed, stainless steel
• Self-lubricating cages