lakeroadster
When in doubt... build hell-for-stout!
I have been contemplating this question for quite a while, and after just seeing a post regarding a member's first flight of an Estes Patriot using 4 D-motors... well, I just have to ask... WHY?
Why would you build a rocket using clusters vs a single larger motor of equivalent (or better) total impulse power? Why risk one or more of the motors in a cluster not igniting before the remainder shove it off of the pad? Why deal with the complexity of a cluster vs reliability of a single larger motor? Why deal with the COST of a cluster vs a single larger motor?
Not trying to be critical of ANYONE who chooses to fly cluster models; I'm just trying to learn about an area of model rocketry that I have never ventured into. I've flown single-motor models most all of my life, including up to G76 AeroTech RMS motor systems, but never a cluster.
Thanks!
Clusters enable a designer to come up with some really innovative designs that have motors in multiple locations, sometimes even up near the top of the rocket for tractor motor designs.
One big motor... is always going to be... on the rocket c/l at the very bottom of the rocket.... yawn.