Rocketbuilder
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2012
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So, a few days ago, I was playing around with OpenRocket, and had a really cool idea that I think just might work.
The rocket itself is sort of a cross between the Estes Interceptor and an F-35. I could probably get it to glide on its own, like Hornet Driver's awesome mods to the Interceptor (which helped to inspire this design ) but I had a more interesting recovery technique in mind.
Basically, there is an angled bulkhead inside the rocket (if that makes any sense) that seals off the front end, but is open to the back. Above this bulkhead, the top half of a section of tube is cut away. This section is then reattached using tubes and rods so that it can separate from the tube when the ejection charge fires.
The parachute is situated behind the angled bulkhead, so the when the ejection charge fires, the section of tube above the angled bulkhead separates, and is attached to the parachute and shock cord in the same manner as a nose cone.
The key to this design is that the parachute is not a regular parachute, but a (homemade) parawing shaped parachute, that is attached to the CG of the rocket with two cords, to prevent the rocket from spinning under it. The cords will be trimmed so that the rocket glides down in a spiral for a safe recovery.
Yes, this is ambitious and difficult, maybe even impossible, but I sure intend to try it! It will probably take several flights to get it just right, but if I can, it will be worth it.
Clear as mud?
The rocket itself is sort of a cross between the Estes Interceptor and an F-35. I could probably get it to glide on its own, like Hornet Driver's awesome mods to the Interceptor (which helped to inspire this design ) but I had a more interesting recovery technique in mind.
Basically, there is an angled bulkhead inside the rocket (if that makes any sense) that seals off the front end, but is open to the back. Above this bulkhead, the top half of a section of tube is cut away. This section is then reattached using tubes and rods so that it can separate from the tube when the ejection charge fires.
The parachute is situated behind the angled bulkhead, so the when the ejection charge fires, the section of tube above the angled bulkhead separates, and is attached to the parachute and shock cord in the same manner as a nose cone.
The key to this design is that the parachute is not a regular parachute, but a (homemade) parawing shaped parachute, that is attached to the CG of the rocket with two cords, to prevent the rocket from spinning under it. The cords will be trimmed so that the rocket glides down in a spiral for a safe recovery.
Yes, this is ambitious and difficult, maybe even impossible, but I sure intend to try it! It will probably take several flights to get it just right, but if I can, it will be worth it.
Clear as mud?