Being a magnetic switch user, logistically a mechanical break would present a problem. However I understand that there is some interpretation on this issue and that each club may sit in a different camp. I will also respect whatever MDRA comes back with, as it is their field. Although I am hoping for a favourable ruling, as a hard mechanical open circuit rule would represent a problem for me in that I would have to rebuild my AV sleds.
Having said that, from posts I have read by individuals who appear to have knowledge on the topic, there appear to be two main camps. Some who believe that it is safe and even suggest that the magnetic switch is an overall safer option than a mechanical switch, and those who believe that it has to be a mechanical break and anything less than that is a risk.
Personally I wish I had a better qualified opinion on the subject as I can only provide anecdotal feedback that I have used magnetic switches for three years without a failure. In that time I had an incident where a rocket descended from just under 10,000' under drogue, because I left some masking tape on the burrito for the main, and the rocket landed hard. However everything was fine. I have also has several Mach one + flights and even kissed Mach two with a rocket that uses two mag switches, and everything was nominal. FWIW.
Obviously my experiences are relatively limited in scope, but none the less it is my experience.
Having said that, from posts I have read by individuals who appear to have knowledge on the topic, there appear to be two main camps. Some who believe that it is safe and even suggest that the magnetic switch is an overall safer option than a mechanical switch, and those who believe that it has to be a mechanical break and anything less than that is a risk.
Personally I wish I had a better qualified opinion on the subject as I can only provide anecdotal feedback that I have used magnetic switches for three years without a failure. In that time I had an incident where a rocket descended from just under 10,000' under drogue, because I left some masking tape on the burrito for the main, and the rocket landed hard. However everything was fine. I have also has several Mach one + flights and even kissed Mach two with a rocket that uses two mag switches, and everything was nominal. FWIW.
Obviously my experiences are relatively limited in scope, but none the less it is my experience.