brewster_rockit
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- Joined
- Nov 22, 2014
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I'm sure this has been asked before, but here goes:
In my experience, my boost gliders have tended to have an S-shaped boost. The rocket tends to pitch nose-down during the powered portion of the flight (thrust line higher than the CG,) then pitch up as the aerodynamic forces on the glider become dominant during coast to apogee. It's best to pick short delays to minimize the latter, although that's not always possible. Plenty of gliders loop during the coast phase; my Estes Nighthawk clone tends to loop onto its back and coast horizontally until ejection on a B4-2. For the experienced glider builders, what tricks and tips help to ensure the straightest possible boost? Perhaps pylon height and location relative to the glider GC, launch lug placement, maybe ballast in the pod? Is there a good rule of thumb for where the boost CG should be relative to the glide CG? Thanks!
In my experience, my boost gliders have tended to have an S-shaped boost. The rocket tends to pitch nose-down during the powered portion of the flight (thrust line higher than the CG,) then pitch up as the aerodynamic forces on the glider become dominant during coast to apogee. It's best to pick short delays to minimize the latter, although that's not always possible. Plenty of gliders loop during the coast phase; my Estes Nighthawk clone tends to loop onto its back and coast horizontally until ejection on a B4-2. For the experienced glider builders, what tricks and tips help to ensure the straightest possible boost? Perhaps pylon height and location relative to the glider GC, launch lug placement, maybe ballast in the pod? Is there a good rule of thumb for where the boost CG should be relative to the glide CG? Thanks!