History

The LR-87 was a powerful liquid-fueled rocket engine developed in the late 1950s by Aerojet for use in the U.S. Air Force’s Titan family of missiles and launch vehicles. Originally designed as the first stage engine for the Titan I intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), it quickly became notable for its versatility and reliability. The engine was unique in its dual-chamber configuration, with two combustion chambers fed by a common set of turbopumps. This allowed it to deliver very high thrust while maintaining greater stability and control, making it a strong candidate for both military and space applications.
One of the most important features of the LR-87 was its adaptability to different propellants. The Titan I used liquid oxygen (LOX) and RP-1 kerosene as its propellant pair, but the LR-87 was later modified to burn storable hypergolic fuels, specifically nitrogen tetroxide (N₂O₄) and Aerozine 50 (a hydrazine/UDMH blend), for the Titan II missile. This change eliminated the need for cryogenic storage and allowed the missile to remain fueled and launch-ready for long periods, a crucial requirement during the Cold War. Over time, further variants of the LR-87 were developed to support space launch vehicles, such as the Titan III and Titan IV rockets, cementing its place as one of the most versatile American rocket engines of its era.
In terms of performance, the LR-87 produced between 1.9 and 2.5 million newtons (about 430,000–550,000 pounds) of thrust, depending on the version and propellant combination. It operated using a gas-generator cycle, where a small portion of the propellants was burned to drive the turbopumps before being exhausted. Despite being relatively simple compared to later closed-cycle engines, the LR-87’s rugged design, ability to adapt to different fuels, and proven reliability allowed it to remain in service for over three decades. Its legacy lies not only in powering the Titan missiles but also in supporting some of the United States’ most important space missions, including launches of satellites, space probes, and even crewed spacecraft like Gemini during the 1960s.
Beyond its technical achievements, the LR-87’s long service life highlighted the effectiveness of modular engine design and incremental improvements in rocketry. This adaptability made it a cost-effective and reliable workhorse for both military defense and space exploration. Its role in launching Gemini astronauts into orbit, deploying reconnaissance and communications satellites, and supporting interplanetary probes illustrates how one engine family helped bridge the transition from early missile technology to modern spaceflight.

Specifications:
LR-87-3 (Titan I)
Thrust (sea-level): 1,950 kN (440,000 lbf)
Nominal thrust duration: 140 seconds
Fuel: LOX / RP-1 (Kerosene)

Item Description
Fully SLA (Stereolithography) 3dprinted scale model kit with extreme detail!

*Kit comes with printed detailed assembly instructions booklet

*Kit comes with printed Color & Marking guide

Dimensions of finished model:
Height: 320mm (12.6in)
Width/Length: 266 x 186mm (10.5x 7.3in)