# Atlas Centaur LV-3C

> series of American expendable launch vehicles

**Wikidata**: [Q9161687](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9161687)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/atlas-centaur-lv-3c

## Summary
Atlas Centaur LV-3C is a series member of American expendable launch vehicles in the Atlas–Centaur family. It is an Atlas-Centaur (Centaur-D model) rocket series manufactured by Convair and configured from Atlas MA-3 first-stage elements with a Centaur upper stage.

## Key Facts
- Atlas Centaur LV-3C is an instance of a rocket series and a subclass of the Atlas–Centaur family.  
- Manufacturer: Convair.  
- Country of origin: United States.  
- Typical gross mass: 136,124 kilograms (criterion used: gross weight).  
- Height: 33.0 metres.  
- Diameter: 3.05 metres.  
- Maximum thrust: 173,843.0 kilonewtons.  
- Payload capacity: 1,700 kilograms.  
- Primary components/parts: Atlas MA-3 (first stage) and Centaur (upper stage).  
- Alias: Atlas LV-3C Centaur.  
- Described at: http://www.astronautix.com/a/atlascentaurlv-3c.html (English).

## FAQs
### Q: What is Atlas Centaur LV-3C?
A: Atlas Centaur LV-3C is a designation for a member of the Atlas–Centaur series of American expendable launch vehicles, using Atlas MA-3 hardware with a Centaur upper stage. It was manufactured by Convair and intended as a launch vehicle in the Atlas–Centaur family.

### Q: What are the physical dimensions and mass of the LV-3C?
A: The Atlas Centaur LV-3C has a height of 33.0 metres, a diameter of 3.05 metres, and a gross mass of 136,124 kilograms.

### Q: How much payload can the LV-3C carry?
A: The Atlas Centaur LV-3C has a stated payload capacity of 1,700 kilograms.

### Q: What is the thrust capability of the vehicle?
A: The LV-3C’s maximum thrust is listed as 173,843.0 kilonewtons.

## Why It Matters
Atlas Centaur LV-3C represents a specific configuration within the Atlas–Centaur family—a foundational line of American expendable launch vehicles. As a two-stage design combining Atlas MA-3 first-stage elements and a Centaur upper stage, the LV-3C embodies the modular approach used to match booster performance to different payload requirements. Its gross mass, physical dimensions, thrust rating, and payload capacity are concrete engineering parameters that position it for medium-class launch tasks. Because it is part of the Atlas–Centaur lineage and was produced by Convair, the LV-3C contributes to the historical progression of U.S. liquid-fueled expendable rockets and the development of upper-stage Centaur technology. Knowledge of its specifications is relevant for comparisons of launch-vehicle capabilities, payload planning, and technical histories of American launch systems.

## Notable For
- Being a member/subclass of the Atlas–Centaur family, linking Atlas MA-3 first-stage hardware with a Centaur upper stage.  
- Manufacture by Convair, a major U.S. aerospace company associated with Atlas–Centaur vehicles.  
- A gross mass of 136,124 kg combined with a compact 3.05 m diameter and 33.0 m height, reflecting a high-mass, relatively slim vehicle configuration.  
- A published payload capacity of 1,700 kg and a stated maximum thrust of 173,843.0 kN, specifying its intended performance envelope.  
- Alias usage as "Atlas LV-3C Centaur", tying it to common nomenclature for Atlas–Centaur variants.

## Body
### Overview
- Atlas Centaur LV-3C is described as a series-member of American expendable launch vehicles within the Atlas–Centaur family.  
- It is associated with the Centaur-D model line of Atlas–Centaur launchers.

### Classification and Relationships
- Instance of: rocket series.  
- Subclass of: Atlas–Centaur.  
- Part of / Parent class: Atlas–Centaur (series) and Atlas Centaur-D (model).  
- Has parts: Atlas MA-3 (first-stage component) and Centaur (upper stage).

### Physical Specifications
- Gross mass: 136,124 kg (criterion used: gross weight).  
- Height: 33.0 m.  
- Diameter: 3.05 m.  
- Payload mass capacity: 1,700 kg.  
- Maximum thrust: 173,843.0 kN.

### Manufacturer and Origin
- Manufacturer: Convair.  
- Country of origin: United States.

### Identifiers and References
- Alias: Atlas LV-3C Centaur.  
- Described at (English): http://www.astronautix.com/a/atlascentaurlv-3c.html.  
- Google Knowledge Graph ID: /g/1221sfk3.  
- Wikipedia language presence noted: pl (Polish).  
- Wikidata description: series of American expendable launch vehicles.

### References
- Primary referenced description: http://www.astronautix.com/a/atlascentaurlv-3c.html (English).

## References

1. [Source](http://www.astronautix.com/a/atlascentaurlv-3c.html)