Project
1002 Flight

Post-flight Analysis

• FIRST FLIGHT WITH FULL RECOVERY! And it only took six years. With the exception of the rocket veering off a little to the right the flight was perfect. I only used one launch rail instead of two, just to see what would happen.
• There are a few minor changes I need to make to the next rocket based on the performance of this rocket that should make it more stable.
• Also tested were two statics with 65% Kno3, 31.5% Sugar and 3.5% Glycerin. Both engines fired within 4 Newton seconds of each other with good results, the most important of which is the lack of any pressure spike.
• Alberto Gassol was out as well launcing two very impressive rockets on my J300 engines.
• This launch was done in conjunction with ACEMA in Argentina for "Cohetes de America"
• Total take-off weight was 32.5 lbs.
• Time from ignition to parachute ejection 13 seconds.
• Time for ejection sound to reach the ground 3.3 seconds.
• Aproximate height at parachute ejection 3580 ft.
• Aproximate height at apogee 3900 ft.
• Total fuel weight 10.4 lbs.
• Total rocket dead weight 22.1 lbs.
• Total Ns 4800
• Static 01 with 65% Kno3, 31.5% Sugar and 3.5% Glycerin 1077 Newton Seconds with 2.6 lbs. fuel
• Static 02 with 65% Kno3, 31.5% Sugar and 3.5% Glycerin 1073 Newton Seconds with 2.6 lbs. fuel
• Comparison graph showing 65/35 fuel with glycerin compared to 60/40 fuel without it.

Construction

• 6" ABS was used for the rocket body.
• 4 J300 engines powered the rocket.
• A cross type parachute was used made from 4 mil. plastic dropcloth material 20 square feet total area.

Pros

• Parachute ejection worked great with a chemical delay even though this is not ideal.
• Minor changes to body shape added stability.
• Reduced fin sizes were able to withstand the aerodynamic stresses.
• Cross type parachute may be able to withstand more shock than a round parachute.
• Low cost.
• Easy to construct.
• Room on board for future electronics bay.

Cons

• Shorter rail size was not long enough for rocket to get up to a stable speed before leaving it.

Pictures

Video

• Flight 01 - full flight video - 28 Mb.
• Flight 01 - launch only
• Flight 01 - recovery only
• Flight 02 - Alberto's rocket
• Flight 03 - Alberto's rocket
• Static 01 - gauge only
• Static 02 - gauge only

Drawings

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