Delta IV Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Ordnance Overview

The newest member of the Boeing Delta family is Delta IV Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) system. It consists of four launch vehicles, the Medium, (4,2), Medium (5,2), Medium (5,4), and Heavy (H). Each has a newly developed common booster core (CBC) with existing 4 Meter and 5 Meter payload fairing. The majority of the ordnance system used on the launch vehicle are based on previous experiences with the Delta II , Delta III and the Space Shuttle. The goal was to use the common components and system design, to the maximum extent possible across the Delta IV vehicles. This paper is an overview of the ordnance components, designs, applications, and installations on the Delta IV EELV family of Launch vehicles. Ordnance systems strength as well as improvement are explored and discussed. The top down approach starts at the entire launch vehicle/launch mount unit level. This is further divided into four major subsystems which include Separation System, Ignition System, Flight Termination System, and Hold Down Release System. The components are discussed in detail, pictures and sketches are included for further clarification.