So I loaded up all the recovery gear and electronics, and got the weight (8 lb, 13.25 oz) and CG sans motor, and put them in OR. I'm trying to decide what motor to load up for the maiden flight/cert flight. Below are the choices:
Notes:
- All simulations done with 10 mph wind.
- Assume 6 ft of rail guidance (7-8 will be closer to reality for the top button)
- Our waiver is 1 mile (5280 ft) AGL
- For 38 mm motors the altitude and stability will be slight over estimates as a 38-54 mm adapter will be required.
J350W (38-720), Apogee: 2530 ft, Stability (cal off rail): 1.64
J460T (54-852), Apogee: 3001 ft, Stability (cal off rail): 1.47
J275W (54-852), Apogee: 3029 ft, Stability (cal off rail): 1.30
J570W (38-1080), Apogee: 4096 ft, Stability (cal off rail): 1.62
J401FJ (54-1280), Apogee: 4369 ft, Stability (cal off rail): 1.39
J415W (54-1280), Apogee: 4600 ft, Stability (cal off rail): 0.99
I'm leaning toward the J570W. It gives nice altitude, high stability off the rail, and should be visually quite fun. The only problem is I don't have a lot of faith in the EZ reloads yet...too new. Alternatively, the J460T looks like the safest bet all around, but I'm not really a fan of Blue Thunder.
True last resort would be a J420R (38-720) I have awaiting pickup, but that is only a gentle stroll to 2291, but is quite stable off the rail (1.8 cal). Like I said, decisions, decisions...
EDIT: went with the J460T. Just the safest flight for the first flight.