The LinkSpace RLV-T6 reusable test article

[GoodTaste]

The LinkSpace RLV-T6 reusable test article during static fire test preparations.
.......
The company announced Thursday (May 5) that it had carried out a static fire test of its Reusable Launch Vehicle T6 (RLV-T6) rocket using new methane-fueled engines at a site in Jiangyin, Jiangsu Province.

Source: Space

What does "article" refer to? A device such as Reusable Launch Vehicle T6 (RLV-T6) rocket here?

 

[Tarheel]

My guess is that it refers to the rocket. (What else could it be?) It does seem to be an odd term to use for that..

 

[probus]

Article is used there as a synonym for thing. The thing carries out tests during engine firing. It can be re-used because the engine is fired in a stationary test-bed rather than in an actual rocket launch.

 

[Tarheel]

@probus I get it that it is a rocket that is not actually launched. (Or just the engine.) However, why they didn't say "thing" or "test rocket" or "engine" is beyond me.

 

[jutfrank]

Test article (aerospace) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org