Project
507 Flight - Sea Launch Prototype
Post-flight Analysis
- This flight tested the new K380 engines I've been developing over the last few months. The J300 engines used last year were a outstanding success with over 80 engines consecutively built and fired without a failure but I needed more power for the upcoming Sea Launch in August. When the rockets are launched under water, a large amount of energy is spent getting the vehicle out of the water and airborne.
- Total Newton seconds for this flight was 6720, or a low M.
- Power increase 53% compared to the J300 engine.
- Fuel increase 33% compared to the J300 engine.
- Thrust to weight ratio increase 11% compared to the J300 engine.
- Total rocket weight increase 16% compared to the J300 engine.
- Altitude increase 33% compared to the J300 engine.
- Several things were tested during this flight including the aluminum strut channel launcher for the Sea Launch, internal wood fins, and an ejection timer which fired on time but failed to blow off the nosecone.
- Alberto Gassol tested several 1" engines with and without Glycerin. Alberto also flew a minimum diameter rocket which was sadly destroyed due to an engine failure.
- Alberto's graphic analysis of the flight.
Construction
- K380 engine is similar in construction to the J300 engine except it is 6" longer.
- 1/4" Birch fins were crossed inside the fin can for easy construction and structural support. The exhaust gasses blowing past the fins was a concern but it seemed to work fine.
- Wireless ignition and recovery.
Pros
- Plenty of power. Will work well at the Sea Launch.
- Low cost and easy to construct.
Cons
- A new method of lifting up the nosecone is needed. The blast from the ejection charge was insufficient to overcome the aerodynamic pressure pushing it back down. Possibly a piston will work.
Pictures
Video
Drawings
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