Well, the idea was to start off with a basically stable vehicle with lower power, lighter motors (B) and use heavier (C and D composite) to test the theory.
Well, the maiden flight was a heads up launch since the swing test was questionable. The rocket came off the rod O.K. and arced over into a slight breeze. At about 100 ft, it corkscrewed 4 times as it continued its lazy arc and apogee was no more than 150 ft and landed under a partial chute about 70 yards down range. You can see in the attached photos that the nozzle got torched pretty good and I suspect the Dr. Krushnic payed a visit which limited power which resulted in the low altitude.
I did the calculations and had an intake that was more than adequate for the nozzle I was using according to my understanding of the concept. My thought is that using an 18mm motor and a BT-20 nozzle does not allow for enough air flow with the motor recessed as deeply as I have it here. I think that Orange Gush 1.0 needs to be retired and Orange Gush 1.1 needs to be a BT-60 airframe for a couple of reasons:
- Inadequate space to prep the igniter
- Tape thrust ring had to be done with the motor installed
- BT-20 nozzle is too narrow
I like the general layout and I don't think that a complete re-design isn't necessary but I have learned a few things. This won't be the last one that I do, it is just too much fun to try something new.
I also attached a couple of shots of the Mini HoJo. Other than the stretch and recessed motor, it is a stock build. Four launches in a moderate breeze and all were arrow straight under thrust. It tended to weather cock slightly during coast but apogee was consistently about 200 ft on an A3-4T. I have a second one in the build pile that may get the 18mm treatment but I may have to lay up an over sized FG aft ring to make launch prep easier.
One more note on the day. I was finally able to recover the top section of the Fatter-By today after two months in the weather. Fortunately the tube was the only piece that seems the worse for wear and I have some on my bench ready to go!