NEA® 15″ Payload Release Ring (PRR-15)
Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense (EBAD)
The NEA® 15" Payload Release Ring (PRR-15) is a flight-proven mechanism designed to release payloads from a launch vehicle, utilizing four NEA® release mechanisms and separation springs.
Key figurescomparable across the catalogue
- Mass
- 2.9 kg
Normalised to common units so this product can be compared with others in its category. The supplier's own wording is below.
As published by the supplier
- Payload Capability
- 250 kg
- Shock Output
- <300 g’s
- Release Time
- <40 ms
- Total Mass
- 6.4 lb (2.9 kg)
- Fly Away Mass
- 2.2 lb (1 kg)
- Temperature Range
- -40°C to +102°C
- Spring Energy
- 3.57 J
- Number of Springs
- 4 to 20
About
The NEA® 15″ Payload Release Ring (PRR-15) is a robust and flight-proven system for separating payloads from launch vehicles. It consists of four NEA® release mechanisms, two ring halves, and separation springs with corresponding holders. The NEA® mechanisms compress the separation springs and hold the ring halves together. The PRR-15, with the attached payload, is mounted to the launch vehicle using 24 fasteners. Electrical connection to the launch vehicle is via redundant connectors, with an additional connector for communication between the launch vehicle and payload. Payload release occurs when the launch vehicle applies current to the PRR-15 connector, actuating the NEA® mechanisms and allowing the separation springs to push the payload away. Key features include low release shock, redundant actuation, support for payloads up to 250 kg, low mass, high stiffness, and operation with standard launch vehicle circuitry. It also offers a launch vehicle to payload connector interface, no debris generation, meets standard tip-off requirements, customizable separation velocity (4-20 push-off springs), and is qualified to standard launch environments using space-rated materials. Factory refurbishment is available. Typical applications include launch vehicle payload release for Ø15″ circular ports with 1/4″ fasteners, with other port sizes available for development.
Documentation
No public datasheet yet — request the datasheet / ICD from the supplier.