MMX SD

[JPVegh]

Well the much awaited contest is this Saturday 6/18/11 and after more than a dozen test models and design tweaks I think I'm ready. The piston is working as it should (thanks Micromeister) after several false starts. Simulations show altitudes in the 560s and durations in the mid 30s but actual tests have had times in the low to mid 50s. I haven't been able to break through that 60 second barrier but I am satisfied with the performance that I have been able to acheive. Now all I need is the right launch conditions and the rest is in the hands of fate.

Any last minute contest tips and pointers would be appreciated. Winds are forcast to be 10-20 and temps between 101 and 105 at the feild.

I'd like to say thank you to everyone who has offered advice to this point.

[Micromeister]

Well the much awaited contest is this Saturday 6/18/11 and after more than a dozen test models and design tweaks I think I'm ready. The piston is working as it should (thanks Micromeister) after several false starts. Simulations show altitudes in the 560s and durations in the mid 30s but actual tests have had times in the low to mid 50s. I haven't been able to break through that 60 second barrier but I am satisfied with the performance that I have been able to acheive. Now all I need is the right launch conditions and the rest is in the hands of fate.

Any last minute contest tips and pointers would be appreciated. Winds are forcast to be 10-20 and temps between 101 and 105 at the feild.

I'd like to say thank you to everyone who has offered advice to this point.

The Simulations LIE!
There is Physically NO WAY with a single MMX-II motor you'll get more then about Half the 560 feet stated. Period.

Durations could easily exceed 60 seconds if you pick good air and/or hit a decent thermal. Man! with temps like those expected on the field with any kind of level ground there should be some Monster Thermals popping up

Good Luck with the contest! We'll be waiting with worms on or tongs (baited breath) to hear the actual flight reports both visual altitude and durations

[JPVegh]

Well the official results aren't in yet so I can't really say for sure but it looks like I'll take a second place in the 1/8A SD event. I had the best single flight time with 42 seconds on my second flight. Unfortunately on my first flight the rocket showed some instability upon leaving the piston and didn't get very high, resulting in a time of only 15 seconds. It could have been the way I mounted the rocket to the piston or maybe a high wind gust hit it just right, who knows. Had I two good flights I would have had a combined time that would have put me subtantially ahead. As it was the fellow who came out on top had two good flights of 32 seconds each.


I think I did my best and although I didn't win I still had a great time and would do it again in a split second. I'm looking forward to the next contest.

[Micromeister]

Congrat JP!
42 seconds is a very nice SD flight. s

Sorry to hear about the tip off, it's one of the minor problems that can crop up with piston launched models in any motor class. Alignment is almost always the culprit over wind gust.

[gdjsky01]

Well done!

[JPVegh]

Thanks guys!