My L3 build 1/2 scale Nike Smoke

Well here it is, delivered 1/19/2013 my Performance Rocketry 1/2 scale Nike Smoke, actually off-scale it's a bit longer in the upper payload section by 6"

My next step is to get my L3 plan off to my L3CC for approval, I will post my build progress here.

YAY! Glad you're here Mark, even gladder to see a build thread! Carry on...

Madhatter said:

Well here it is, delivered 1/19/2013 my Performance Rocketry 1/2 scale Nike Smoke, actually off-scale it's a bit longer in the upper payload section by 6"

My next step is to get my L3 plan off to my L3CC for approval, I will post my build progress here.

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Oooh! Purdy!!!!!!!

I am sooooo subscribed.

COOL!!! I was just thinking about a half scale Patriot today...this is big!!

ooo thats a big one . and with a bit of luck I'll get to see it fly.
rex

Tempting smart alec comment right here...
Naah, this is a family forum after all...

blackbrandt said:

Tempting smart alec comment right here...
Naah, this is a family forum after all...

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...how old are you again, Matt?

(no "thats what she said" crap)

14?

I was about to post "that's what she said", but decided against it...

Very nice! Makes the Estes one I've been eyeing a puny little thing! I'll definitely be watching this one!

Good luck!

Madhatter said:

Well here it is, delivered 1/19/2013 my Performance Rocketry 1/2 scale Nike Smoke, actually off-scale it's a bit longer in the upper payload section by 6"

My next step is to get my L3 plan off to my L3CC for approval, I will post my build progress here.

Click to expand...

This was my level 3 except I built the Polecat. Good luck.

Where did you buy this kit?

cwbullet said:

This was my level 3 except I built the Polecat. Good luck.

Where did you buy this kit?

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I ordered it from Performance Rocketry through Wildman

Madhatter said:

Well here it is, delivered 1/19/2013 my Performance Rocketry 1/2 scale Nike Smoke, actually off-scale it's a bit longer in the upper payload section by 6"

My next step is to get my L3 plan off to my L3CC for approval, I will post my build progress here.

Click to expand...

I got to see the kit in person at our club launch on the 19th. This thing is gonna be awesome. I still think the nosecone alone would be a cool rocket at this size.

How long ago did you order?

cwbullet said:

How long ago did you order?

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December 2012, actually MWP is when I first approached Tim on this but because I could not pay for it until Thanksgiving time I had to wait to after the Black Friday orders were completed by Performance.

Looking forward to following your progress. Hope I'll be there when it's ready to launch.

It's a beast that will easilly hold up to an M and bumpy landings. What do you anticipate the finished weight will be?? I'm hearing the days of 60 pound L3 flights ended a few years back.

Primer paint only for cert. flights is always good luck............Good Luck either way!

grady678 said:

It's a beast that will easilly hold up to an M and bumpy landings. What do you anticipate the finished weight will be?? I'm hearing the days of 60 pound L3 flights ended a few years back.

Primer paint only for cert. flights is always good luck............Good Luck either way!

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I'm in a bit of disbelief as my RockSim design file reports just shy of 50 lb dry. I addded missing detail and corrected measurments for the RockSim file I found for the 1/2 scale Performance Smoke, I added more detail and weighed measured each component, I used the mass override in some areas where RockSim was underweight from my actual measurments. I also added the added retainer mass for the SCP thrust plate I'm using.

50 dry is good. I misquoted 60....more like 100 pounds is old school. Excellent choice on the extended airframe.......just my cosmetic opinion.

SCP thrust plate....I'll have to look that up before I ask a dumb question.

The thrustplate is a thing of beauty. Post a photo Mark!

dpower said:

The thrustplate is a thing of beauty. Post a photo Mark!

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Thought you were coming out to Bong today Paul? We could have used another responsible adult! I forgot to tell you Mark, I was not able to find a CB bit or a 5/16" end mill in my junk, sorry. I can track one or the other down for you unless you have another plan - let me know.

dpower said:

The thrustplate is a thing of beauty. Post a photo Mark!

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Yes indeed it is...

It adds about 2 lbs but because I'm using it I don't need all that extra glassing for strength, but the best part is no need to locate drill and tap those 12 holes for the AeroPack!

That's a big nosecone!

Interesting to see the fins done that way; in the past, I think Curtis had a complete molded fincan (could be wrong on that).

Any idea what the fin construction is? Is it just a conventional layup, like the nosecone, or is there a core of some sort in there, or....?

-Kevin

The one piece fin can was not an option when I placed the order, which was ok by me because according to NAR fin cans of that type are disallowed for L3 cert builds.

These fins are foam filled with a G10 core.

Madhatter said:

The one piece fin can was not an option when I placed the order, which was ok by me because according to NAR fin cans of that type are disallowed for L3 cert builds.

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Yep, that matches my recollection of NAR's rules.

These fins are foam filled with a G10 core.

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Excellent. Should be nice and solid!

-Kevin

troj said:

That's a big nosecone!

Interesting to see the fins done that way; in the past, I think Curtis had a complete molded fincan (could be wrong on that).

Any idea what the fin construction is? Is it just a conventional layup, like the nosecone, or is there a core of some sort in there, or....?

-Kevin

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I think that was the full scale.

The 11.5" (3/4 scale) had a one piece fin can as well.

Mark; looking forward to watching your Nike take shape!!!

-Eric-

ECayemberg said:

The 11.5" (3/4 scale) had a one piece fin can as well.

Mark; looking forward to watching your Nike take shape!!!

-Eric-

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And yet in talking to Mr. Jurk, the one I am picking up from Wisconsin has four pieces that fit together to become a fin can...

dixontj93060 said:

And yet in talking to Mr. Jurk, the one I am picking up from Wisconsin has four pieces that fit together to become a fin can...

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Interesting. Most definitely, the mold is one fin and 1/4 airframe radius. Our version came joined; I'd be surprised if yours does not. That said, I would have preferred to do the joining of the four quarters myself, as the fit and tolerances were, uh, not the best!

-Eric-

ECayemberg said:

Interesting. Most definitely, the mold is one fin and 1/4 airframe radius. Our version came joined; I'd be surprised if yours does not. That said, I would have preferred to do the joining of the four quarters myself, as the fit and tolerances were, uh, not the best!

-Eric-

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Oh, believe me, I am happy. It makes it much more practical to transport.

One of my favorite rockets!!! Good luck and i will follow!