| Intermediate Rocketry Guide |
This guide is aimed at people who have built and flown a few models, and now want to do something a bit different. (Sticking a few cardboard tubes and fins together can get a bit boring after a while!).
This guide assumes that you have a grasp of the basics, for example...
If you have not flown before, then it would be advisable to go and try one of the Estes model rocket kits available from many suppliers, first, and then come back to this bit later.
Two Stage rockets can be very good fun, and can be made quite easily. There are quite a few Estes kits with two stages, or you can even modify an existing single stage model if you know what you are doing.
Typically a two stage model will use a C6-0 Booster motor, and then a C6-7 or C6-5 2nd stage. Larger or heavier models will require a D12-0 Booster and a D12-5 or D12-7 2nd stage.
Some of the 2 Stage Estes Kits are (skill level in brackets)...
For the daring, Estes even make a 3 stage model called the Commanche. I have added an extra stage to mine to make it a 4-stager. Marcus Lauder has added extra stages to his Commanche to make it a five stage model! Goes pretty well too! (PS I've heard rumours about 9 stages!)
For those preferring to build your own, or are curious to see how 2 stage models are built, the diagram below should hopefully explain it.
Notes...
Clustered rockets use more than one motor, but instead of being end to end as in the multi-stage rockets, the motors are in parallel and are ignited simultaneously.
There are some problems which you should take into account...
Rocket powered gliders can be quite a challenge. They are inherently difficult things to build, and require a lot of time and effort trimming for flight. This means adding and removing noseweight, changing the positions of elevators and rudders and a lot more... Be prepared for a lot of shrapnel and rebuilding!
Having said that, they are not impossible to build. The best ones I have seen were flown by a group from Poland, and they managed to glide for well over 5 minutes!
Unfortunately, I am still trying to build a boost glider which actually glides.
When testing boost gliders, trim them for flight first, before even thinking about setting up a launch pad!
Be careful when launching boost gliders! Most either do a loop when they are launched and dive into the ground while still under thrust, or fly straight up under thrust, and then dive into the ground from a great height.
Always get spectators (and yourself) to stand either side of the glider when it is on the pad. ie Do not stand where you can see both port and starboard wings. The chances are you will be hit by a rocket which is still under thrust!
Boost gliders can be a fun and challenging task, but you have been warned!
Helicopter Recovery is a way of recovering a rocket with the use of a "helicopter" mechanism. There are now a couple of Estes kits which employ this method of recovery.
Helicopter Recovery has not really been tried that much, so there are no really good designs around yet.
Email me if you do manage a cool design though!
These are basically cars that are powered by rocket motors. They can either be free rolling, or be guided by wire or a track.
Rocket Dragsters have not been tried all that much in the UK, although one or two HART members have been trying out a few designs. One of the most successful UK designs so far is built from Lego&tm;, which has the advantage of being easily repairable when things go horribly wrong! Beware, you will have to seriously reinforce things if you do use Lego!
You may like to have a look at the pictures on the HART Home Page !
In the USA there is the National Rocket Car Association (NRCA) who use high power motors, and a 2000ft wire guided system. They also have the added advantage of a number of dry lake beds. Why not check out the NRCA Homepage to see what they are up to?
Copyright ©2000 A.S.Moore