EBB

Programme d'Études Balistiques de Base / Pierres Précieuses

The Basic Ballistics Study Program (EBB) was started in 1961 by SÉREB, Nord- and Sud-Aviation with the goal of developing the knowledge to build the S2 missile. The resulting experimental launchers are named after gemstones (Pierres Précieuses) and its various stages were used to build the Diamant rockets.

The final two stage Saphir missile would become the basis of the Diamant-A launch vehicle. The Rubis was built to develop the SEP P0.64 powered Turquoise Diamant third stage.

Diamant Rocket Family

After the Agate, Topaz, Emerald, Ruby and Sapphire sounding rockets, Diamant-A, the first French orbital rocket, was launched on November 26th, 1965. It carried Astérix, the first French (and first non US or USSR launched) satellite.

EBB Experimental Vehicles

VE 8, Véhicule Expérimental 8, inert warhead (1960)
VE 9, Véhicule Expérimental 9, SEPR 732 engine (1960)
VE 10, Aigle (Eagle), SEPR 737 Stromboli engine (1960-1964)
VE 110, Agate, NA 801 Mammoth engine (1961-1963)
VE 111 C/L, Topaze (Topaz), NA 802/803 (1962-1965)
VE 121, Émeraude (Emerald), LRBA Vexin (1964-1965)
VE 231, Saphir (Sapphire), Émeraude (VE 121) first stage, Topaze (VE 111L) second stage (1965-1967)
VE 210, Rubis (Ruby), Agate (VE 110) first stage, Turquoise second stage with SEP P0.64 motor (1964-1965)