Originally Posted by
ORAC
The RS25 is 1960s technology but at 2020s prices. Chalk and cheese when compared to a modern generation engine like the SpaceX Raptor 3.
$145M each as compared to around $1M for a Raptor with a target of $500K.
peak. 71 RS-25 engines built over 50 years whilst Raptor is production is now about 7 a week.
https://www.nextbigfuture.com/2026/0...5-million.html
I have read these amazing figures elsewhere. The linked article goes even lower:
In 2027, the Raptor 4 is could reach 330+ tf or ~3.24 MN) and have further weight reductions and cost drops to less than $250,000 per engine.
But now someone has to thoroughly double-check these claims, as this will place Raptor engines in the same price bracket than light helicopter turboshafts. Either rocket engines are intrinsically so simple to make, or Safran, P&WC and RR are real grifters.
Or said price should be understood
per flight, with each engine reused multiple times. And the overhaul cost
per flight is wayyy lower than the cost of a turboshaft overhaul...