Ariane uprated

Attention is given to the ten essential design changes which distinguish the Ariane 2 and 3 launchers from the presently operational Ariane 1. The two externally visible design alterations are a biconical nose for the payload fairing, allowing two Pam D-class satellites to be accommodated, and an associated 0.5-m increase in the height of the plastic shell that encapsulates one spacecraft, while balancing the other on its head. All other improvements involve the Ariane propulsion system, and include longer third-stage fuel tanks, a third storage combustion chamber pressure increase, a second stage combustion chamber pressure increase, the modification of the intertank structure to support strap-on solid propellant boosters, a thrust frame alteration for strap-on booster support, and a first stage combustion chamber pressure increase. Launch trajectory modifications are also noted.