San Marco Scout

 
 

 

 

In 1987 the  SNIA-BPD and LTV began a common study of a launcher named Eagle Scout, capable of orbiting a payload of about 520 kg, double that of the American launcher Scout. This project was to upgrade the classic Scout G-1 by adding two boosters derived from that of Ariane 3 with a modified propellant composition to obtain a variable thrust. These new boosters constituting the 1st stage were fired before the central body keeping the Algol motor that then became the 2nd stage. The 4th stage of the Scout G-1 was replaced by the European AKM Mage-2. The fairing would be enlarged to 1.35 m diameter. The Eagle Scout, renamed Scout-2 in 1988, was to be used initially, from the San Marco range.

A unique flight test was undertaken on 19 March 1992 from Salto di Quirra, with the central motor of the test launcher
SXB3 - an Ariane-4 PAP with swivelling nozzle - and two dummy boosters.

It was a test for the latest SLV project, called "San Marco Scout". The PAP_ P9.5 from Ariane-4 are used for the central stage and four boosters.

The project was canceled. The prototype of San Marco SLV is currently stored in Kenya.