I've started to build a 1:39 scale Falcon 9. I'm building all the components from the ground up (except for motors) so this build will take some time. I'll post updates of progress every week or so. The tube is 90mm (OD 94mm, 3.7in), 4 wraps paper tape and 2 wraps fibreglass around a 90mm mandrel. I've made one length of tube and the second one is under way. (My mandrel is only 1 metre long - I probably should make a longer mandrel but I have this one now and the short length makes release fairly easy).
The rocket will have 9 motors in first stage and 1 motor for second stage. Minimum motor size for 1st stage is 9 x C11-3 (24mm). I haven't worked out max motor yet. 9 x 24mm MMT only just fit in the 90mm tube. The 24mm MMT in the octaweb layout all touch one another and touch the 90mm tube - but it will fit.
The other option is to use 18mm MMT. However, the minimum motor in this case is the Aerotech D13. Bit too expensive to install 9 x RMS 18/20 motor casings. Also, 18mm MMT is a bit limiting for motor upgrades after the first launch.
Recovery system: Main chute at top of 1st stage, Drogue at base of 2nd stage, main chute at top of 2nd stage, chute at top of trunk, chute at top of dragon capsule. The 1st stage will descend tail first - as per the Falcon 9 - albeit without the propulsive landing that spacex is attempting. The interstage and 2nd stage will descend together under the drogue and main. During descent the trunk and dragon capsule will be ejected to descend under their own chutes.
i haven't decided on the avionics yet - perhaps the TeleMega. Any suggestion here would be welcome.
I'll post updates and photos in a few days.
The rocket will have 9 motors in first stage and 1 motor for second stage. Minimum motor size for 1st stage is 9 x C11-3 (24mm). I haven't worked out max motor yet. 9 x 24mm MMT only just fit in the 90mm tube. The 24mm MMT in the octaweb layout all touch one another and touch the 90mm tube - but it will fit.
The other option is to use 18mm MMT. However, the minimum motor in this case is the Aerotech D13. Bit too expensive to install 9 x RMS 18/20 motor casings. Also, 18mm MMT is a bit limiting for motor upgrades after the first launch.
Recovery system: Main chute at top of 1st stage, Drogue at base of 2nd stage, main chute at top of 2nd stage, chute at top of trunk, chute at top of dragon capsule. The 1st stage will descend tail first - as per the Falcon 9 - albeit without the propulsive landing that spacex is attempting. The interstage and 2nd stage will descend together under the drogue and main. During descent the trunk and dragon capsule will be ejected to descend under their own chutes.
i haven't decided on the avionics yet - perhaps the TeleMega. Any suggestion here would be welcome.
I'll post updates and photos in a few days.
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