Motors for White Knight II ?

[JimNtexas]

I've been watching the super excellent "Black Sky" DVD about Rutan's space program.

In one segment Rutan shows a picture of the seven seat "SpaceShip Two" being carried under a White Knight type airplane. "This looks like White Knight, but it is larger, much larger" says Bert.

White Knight uses the motors from a T-38, two GE J85's, 3000 pounds of thrust each.

I was wondering what motors might be used for "White Knight II". I'd suspect they'd need to be more than double the power of the J85s, and afterburning if possible. They'd also have to be obtainable by a purely civilian program. Since Bert has said he wants FAA certification for his next space ship, I'd suppose he'd prefer motors that were FAA certified, or if he goes with afterburners an engine with a certified variant.

Suppose White Knight II needs two 6000 - 10,000 pound thrust certified jet engines. What should he buy?

 

[EagleRJ]

How about GE90-115Bs? No worries about single-engine performace!

I'm sure Burt can find something like a pair of surplus J52s for very little money. If money is not a problem, he could get something more modern like the R/R AE3007- the FADEC might help with keeping the engine stable at high altitudes.

I think it's only a matter of time before Burt Rutan builds a disposable booster to put under the White Knight 2 and launch satellites into orbit, sort of like the Pegasus. The market is ripe for more private launch services, and he's in as good a position as anyone else.