Pressure-fed rocket cycle. Propellant tanks are pressurized to supply fuel and oxidizer to the engine, eliminating the need for turbopumps. The pressure-fed cycle is a type of rocket engine power cycle. Propellant tanks are pressurized with a separate gas supply to force the fuel and oxidizer to the combustion chamber.
The advantage of this design is the elimination of complicated turbines, pumps and plumbing. The disadvantage is a lower chamber pressure and lower engine efficiency. The pressure is limited by the design and weight of the propellant tanks. Pressure-fed engines are the simplest and least expensive cryogenic design.
The kestral rocket engine is an example of a pressure-fed engine.
See also
External links
Rocket power cycles (http://www.aero.org/publications/crosslink/winter2004/03_sidebar3.html)
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