Cool. I will start my build tomorrow.
Cool. I will start my build tomorrow.
I did epoxy the Aeropack forward retention device in two 38mm projects. I have to be fastidious with shockcord protection because
once they're toasted, that's the end of life of the airframe.
Why couldn't you use a long Kevlar loop as a harness expending out the airframe? If the Kevlar begins to weaken just cut it and install another by threading it through the eyebolt with fish wire of appropriate gauge. Tie off and your good to go again.
I think the idea is: Eye Bolt -> Loop of Kevlar -> Shock Cord
The loop would be long enough that the shock cord attaches past the body tube opening. So you could inspect the entire loop to see when it needs to be replaced, and when it needs to be replaced you just untie/cut the loop and attach a new piece to it, fish the new piece in while you pull the old one out, then tie off the new piece to make the new loop. Sort of a giant kevlar quick-link. I never considered that, but it sounds like a really good idea to me. When I put the M38E in my 38mm MD I tied a knot at the end of the cord around a small quick-link, then fed the other end of the cord through the eye-bolt and then the quick-link (the quick-link is NOT attached directly to the eye-bolt), so it's secured inside but all I'd need to do is fish a hook down the tube and snag the quick-link and I should be able to pull it out, getting access to the quick-link and the end of the shock cord (in theory, I haven't tried it yet and I'm not doing motor eject, my MD retainer doesn't even have bypass holes, so there shouldn't be any reason for BP contamination at that end of my drogue bay anyhow). Similar idea, but the idea above wouldn't require any fishing, it does put a bit more shock cord in the tube though. I have a few more kits to build after this weekend, I'll likely give the above idea a shot.
I think the idea is: Eye Bolt -> Loop of Kevlar -> Shock Cord
The loop would be long enough that the shock cord attaches past the body tube opening. So you could inspect the entire loop to see when it needs to be replaced, and when it needs to be replaced you just untie/cut the loop and attach a new piece to it, fish the new piece in while you pull the old one out, then tie off the new piece to make the new loop. Sort of a giant kevlar quick-link. I never considered that, but it sounds like a really good idea to me. When I put the M38E in my 38mm MD I tied a knot at the end of the cord around a small quick-link, then fed the other end of the cord through the eye-bolt and then the quick-link (the quick-link is NOT attached directly to the eye-bolt), so it's secured inside but all I'd need to do is fish a hook down the tube and snag the quick-link and I should be able to pull it out, getting access to the quick-link and the end of the shock cord (in theory, I haven't tried it yet and I'm not doing motor eject, my MD retainer doesn't even have bypass holes, so there shouldn't be any reason for BP contamination at that end of my drogue bay anyhow). Similar idea, but the idea above wouldn't require any fishing, it does put a bit more shock cord in the tube though. I have a few more kits to build after this weekend, I'll likely give the above idea a shot.
I will use and RRC3 and an RF tracker. I may use a Missileworks AV sled.
So far I see that MD motor retention has been discussed quite a bit. But what about launch rail guides? Is everyone going to use a 54mm fly-away guide? If not, what are you going to use?
So far I see that MD motor retention has been discussed quite a bit. But what about launch rail guides? Is everyone going to use a 54mm fly-away guide? If not, what are you going to use?
So far I see that MD motor retention has been discussed quite a bit. But what about launch rail guides? Is everyone going to use a 54mm fly-away guide? If not, what are you going to use?
Launch tower.
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