Reply from Steve Lubliner...
John,
1) It is a fact that the Southern Arizona Rocketry Association (SARA, Section 545) requires launch rails for any rockets higher than 80 N-sec total impulse.
2) I presented a similar proposal to the NAR Board about 2+ years ago. This proposal was discussed in the L3CC and High Power committees and the consensus was that a NAR-wide requirement was not needed. There are no current NAR-wide requirements or plans to require rail use at any impulse level.
3) The Safety Committee recommends the use of rails for larger rockets. Rails are generally longer and stiffer than launch rods. This permits higher velocities as the rocket leaves the launch pad for improved stability and reduces rod "whip". Both effects allow more predictable rocket trajectories.
4) Sections, some range locations, and certain contests, e.g. TARC (Yes, I know the T is gone), may always impose launch pad and rocket requirements that are more restrictive than the NFPA and NAR safety codes.
Feel free to copy my comments to the TRF. Individuals with additional questions are welcome to contact me via
[email protected] or the NAR Safety Committee address.
Thanks,
Steve Lubliner
NAR Safety Committee Chairman