Merlin

The Merlin engine is a RP-1/liquid oxygen gas-generator cycle rocket engine. The Merlin engine was developed for use on the Falcon 1, Falcon 5 and Falcon 9 rockets by SpaceX and is designed for sea recovery and reuse.

Engine details:

The nozzle is an inexpensive, expendable ablatively cooled carbon fiber composite.

Performance:

Current published ratings:

   * Sea level thrust: 77,000 lbf (342 kN)
   * Vacuum thrust: 92,000 lbf (409 kN)
   * Chamber pressure: 6.14 MPa (890 psi)
   * Sea level Isp: 255 s (2.6 kN·s/kg)
   * Vacuum Isp: 304 s (3.0 kN·s/kg)
   * Thrust-to-weight ratio (fully accounted): 96

Engine revision 1B has been enhanced over the 1A with a turbine upgrade (from 1490 kW to 1860 kW)

Operations:

   * Fuel: RP-1 rocket grade kerosene
   * Oxidizer: Liquid oxygen

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