RVT Reusable Rocket Vehicle - Currell.net

Back to Free Models

The RVT is a rocket-powered reusable test vehicle developed by JAXA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.

While not itself designed for space flight, it is being used as a low-cost testbed for technologies that could be used on future SSTO (Single Stage to Orbit) spacecraft. It is similar in concept to the cancelled Delta Clipper flown by the USA.

Cutaway diagram of RVT.

The RVT stands about 3.6 metres high and has a dry weight of 500 kilograms. Lifting power is provided by a liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen rocket motor, and nitrogen thrusters allow attitude control. It takes off and lands vertically, and is capable of fully automated flight. The lessons learned from the RVT program are an important step toward the design of a true reusable spacecraft.

The RVT is a rocket-powered reusable test vehicle developed by JAXA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.

While not itself designed for space flight, it is being used as a low-cost testbed for technologies that could be used on future SSTO (Single Stage to Orbit) spacecraft. It is similar in concept to the cancelled Delta Clipper flown by the USA.

Cutaway diagram of RVT.

The RVT stands about 3.6 metres high and has a dry weight of 500 kilograms. Lifting power is provided by a liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen rocket motor, and nitrogen thrusters allow attitude control. It takes off and lands vertically, and is capable of fully automated flight. The lessons learned from the RVT program are an important step toward the design of a true reusable spacecraft.

Information on the RVT from other sites:

alt="" />
RVT test flight - A YouTube video showing a test flight and ground views of the RVT-9.

JAXA - The Japanese Space Agency.

Reusable launch vehicle information - From hobbyspace.com, a collection of links to information about the RVT and other reusable vehicles.

Information on the RVT from other sites:

alt="" />
RVT test flight - A YouTube video showing a test flight and ground views of the RVT-9.

JAXA - The Japanese Space Agency.

Reusable launch vehicle information - From hobbyspace.com, a collection of links to information about the RVT and other reusable vehicles.

Back to Free Models

RVT Reusable Rocket Vehicle

Illustration of RVT

Photo of RVT model

Skill Level 2/5
Previous experience helpful.

This model builds into a detailed 1:32 scale replica of the RVT. The completed model is slightly over 4 inches (10cm) in height.

You will need a colour printer capable of handling card or cover stock to print the parts sheets. 67 lb cover stock (approx 8.5 thousandths of an inch or 0.2 mm thick) is recommended.

See photos of the finished model.

Brief history and related links.

The model files

rvt_instr.pdf - 148 KiB - This document contains the instructions only (3 pages).

rvt_parts.pdf - 342 KiB - This document contains the parts for the model (2 pages).

The parts and instructions are in Adobe PDF format. Your web browser may allow you to read and print these files, otherwise you'll need a PDF reader such as Adobe's Acrobat Reader or Foxit Reader.

Last updated on 5 February 2021
Copyright 2003-2021 by Ralph Currell.