Hello all - I have recently obtained my Tripoli level 1 cert with a Leviathan using an H135W Aerotech motor. Now, I am looking at rockets for my level 2, probably for next spring. Along with my level 2, I would like to use the same rocket for a mile high mach 1 flight (not necessarily the same flight as the level 2). I am looking at 2.2 - 3 inch dia rockets, 40-50 inches long, with a 38mm motor. Tentatively I am looking at possibly using the LOC Nuke Pro Max or the Public Missile Systems Explorer. Any inut on either rmy idea or either of these 2 rockets? Thanks
First, congrats on your L1.
What follows is my opinion, is based on how I see rocketry, and one assumption I make is that you obtain a certification because you want to fly the motors within that certification range. You are free to disregard any and all of what I say and trash it as you see fit, but I'm going to say it anyway.
I think you should build a rocket for your certifications that can fly most of the motors within that cert range. I say that because if you build a 29mm MPR, such as the Leviathan, and cert with a small H motor, you don't have a rocket to fly most of the large H motors or any of the I motors in. Not only is the 29mm MMT too small for many of the 38mm L1 motors, the small light MPR rocket gets way too much altitude to be flyable on the larger L1 motors. Motor ejection at over 4,000 ft doesn't work out too well in most places. With that said, I have a Leviathan and I fly it on H motors, but only when the conditions are right because it gets a lot of altitude. If it's windy or a low ceiling, I have other 38mm L1 sized rockets that I can fly to 1000 ft or less on H motors. It's those type of rockets I recommend for a L1 cert because they give you options for flying L1 motors that the Leviathan type rockets don't.
The same applies for L2 certifications. You can use a 38mm MMT rocket that flies H & I motor great and put a 38mm J motor in it for your high altitude L2 certification flight. There is nothing wrong with doing that, but when you are done, you still don't have a rocket capable of flying most of the J, any of the K or L motors that are part of the L2 range.
My recommendation for a L2 cert rocket is something in the 7 to 10 lb range, about 4" diameter and a 54mm MMT. This will allow you to fly low near 1500 ft with a baby J or push it about 10K ft with a 54mm L motor. If you are out west, go with a 3" diameter and get more altitude. If you're east coast and have a low waiver, go with the 4" or a 5.5" that is a little heavier and keep the flights lower. In either case, I'm assuming you want to fly all the motors available in your cert range and if you don't want to or can't afford to build a lot of rockets to do that, then make your cert rocket one that can handle most of the cert range motors.
Satisfy yourself and build what you want to fly. If you like it, it's the right rocket.
Good Luck on the L2!
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