1,260
°C
MAX TEMPERATURE
2,300°F
0.05
W/m·K
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
0.19
KG/M³
DENSITY
25-76 mm
THICKNESS
TYPICAL
5.7 kg/m²
KG/M²
MASS PER AREA
1
VEHICLES
PROTECTED
THERMAL RATING
FRCI (Fibrous Refractory Composite Insulation) is a ceramic tile thermal protection system by Lockheed Martin. Rated to 1,260°C. Status: Retired (Shuttle).
ABOUT FRCI (FIBROUS REFRACTORY COMPOSITE INSULATION)
FRCI is an advanced Shuttle tile material that replaced many LI-900 tiles starting with STS-6. It incorporates alumina-borosilicate fibers (Nextel) with the silica fibers, providing 10 times greater strength than LI-900 while maintaining similar thermal properties. FRCI-12 tiles were used on the forward fuselage and other high-stress areas.
THERMAL PROPERTIES
Material TypeCeramic Tile
Max Temperature1,260°C (2,300°F)
Thermal Conductivity0.05 W/m·K
AblativeNo
ReusableYes
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Density0.19 kg/m³
Thickness25-76 mm
Mass per Area5.7 kg/m² kg/m²
COMPOSITION
Silica fibers with 20% Nextel 312 alumina-borosilicate fibers
VEHICLES USING FRCI (FIBROUS REFRACTORY COMPOSITE INSULATION)
Space Shuttle (high-stress areas, forward fuselage)
MISSION HISTORY
First MissionSTS-6 (Challenger)
First FlightApril 4, 1983
ManufacturerLockheed Martin
StatusRetired (Shuttle)
