2,800
°C
MAX TEMPERATURE
5,072°F
0.08
W/m·K
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
0.51
KG/M³
DENSITY
40 mm
THICKNESS
TYPICAL
20.4 kg/m²
KG/M²
MASS PER AREA
2
VEHICLES
PROTECTED
THERMAL RATING
AVCOAT is a ablative thermal protection system by Textron Systems. Rated to 2,800°C. Status: Active.
ABOUT AVCOAT
AVCOAT is an epoxy novolac resin ablative heat shield material originally developed by Avco Corporation for the Apollo program. It was applied in a honeycomb matrix and protected astronauts during lunar return reentries at speeds up to 11 km/s. AVCOAT has been revived and modernized for NASA’s Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle.
THERMAL PROPERTIES
Material TypeAblative
Max Temperature2,800°C (5,072°F)
Thermal Conductivity0.08 W/m·K
AblativeYes
ReusableNo
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Density0.51 kg/m³
Thickness40 mm
Mass per Area20.4 kg/m² kg/m²
COMPOSITION
Epoxy novolac resin with silica and phenolic microballoons in fiberglass honeycomb
VEHICLES USING AVCOAT
Apollo Command Module
Orion MPCV
MISSION HISTORY
First MissionApollo 4
First FlightNovember 9, 1967
ManufacturerTextron Systems
StatusActive
