Project
1208 Flight

Post-flight Analysis

• Two rockets were built for this test. The first was a prototype for the upcoming sea launch. It was water tight and all of the paper or wood surfaces were waterproofed with West Systems Epoxy and a barrier coat additive. The second was the usual design.
• A wireless ignition system was tested on the sea launch prototype which worked perfectly.
• Driving out through the rain destroyed the fins on the rocket that was not waterproofed. When it launched, one fin ripped off causing the rocket to become unstable and crash into a bush, setting it on fire which took us some time to put out. I know it looks like a sunny day but on the other side of the mountains it was raining for 80 miles. It is a desert after all.
• Neither ejection system worked however the parachute did get caught on the body of the first rocket which caused it to rip when it finally managed to open. The nosecone was still on the rocket when it hit the ground leaving quite a mystery as to how the parachute got outside the rocket in the first place.
• Four static tests were done with better results than the 1030 tests however the overall output was lower. Two tests were done with a .05" larger throat diameter and two were done with .05% more Glycerin added to the fuel mixture. Average Newton second output was 1530.
• After both rockets were launched, four fighter jets circled overhead and then left. I've never seen them out there before

Comparison chart showing all four static tests.

Construction

• The center section of the sea launch prototype was filled with two part expanding foam then finished off and painted. All of the bolt holes and penetrations in the rocket body were waterproofed with epoxy. The idea behind this rocket was that it would float upright in the water up to it's nosecone and use the water as a launch support. The rocket did float but did not stay upright as planned so an alternative approach will have to be devised.
• The fins were coated with two coats of West Systems Epoxy with a barrier coat additive put in the epoxy to inhibit moisture from reaching the fins. This arrangement worked very well and was more robust than originally thought.
• Both rockets used four J300 engines which continue to have an outstanding performance record.

Pros

• Engines continue to work well.
• Waterproofing the rocket was successful.
• Wireless ignition system worked perfectly.

Cons

• Waterproofing the fins as well as the fins themselves take up a large portion of the rockets total cost.
• Ejection system still needs work and testing.
• Sea launch prototype rocket did not float upright as planned.

Pictures

Video

• Flight 01 with wireless ignition system
• Flight 02
• Static 01
• Static 02
• Static 03
• Static 04

Drawings

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