Modified Aerotech kits for dual deployment

[Apollo8]

Hi All,

I need to test a dual deployment parachutes with a MW RRC2-mini altimeter in flight using some modified Aerotech rockets I have (Arreauax, Barracuda, Arcas, Mustang, Tomahawk). Has anyone ever tried something like this? Suggestions to modify those airframes, payload bays, etc. to do the job?
Thanks a lot in advance!

 

[Nytrunner]

I have no experience with aerotech tube sizes, so I suggest measuring them immediately.

Apogee has several sizes of AV-bays for sale, if the tube matches, you could buy one to get familiar and then know what you need to make your own.

If the tubes don't match those sizes, you're in the same boat I am. I'm planning to modify a Partizon (estes 2.5" nonstandard tubing dangit) to be my DD trainer craft. What I'm going to do is cut one of the long tubes in half, buy an extra coupler, and use the internals of a 2.56" apogee bay (with bulkheads sanded down) as an AV-bay.

 

[fyrwrxz]

Hi All,

I need to test a dual deployment parachutes with a MW RRC2-mini altimeter in flight using some modified Aerotech rockets I have (Arreauax, Barracuda, Arcas, Mustang, Tomahawk). Has anyone ever tried something like this? Suggestions to modify those airframes, payload bays, etc. to do the job?
Thanks a lot in advance!

Sorry-I'm lazy but Balsa Machining has the coupler and airframe tubing you need. Only place I've fond for the wierd sizes and they work really well. The Mustang is a good test best-no reason the Arreaux wouldn't be either. Is it the RRC2 mini or the RRC2+?

 

[ksaves2]

Hi All,

I need to test a dual deployment parachutes with a MW RRC2-mini altimeter in flight using some modified Aerotech rockets I have (Arreauax, Barracuda, Arcas, Mustang, Tomahawk). Has anyone ever tried something like this? Suggestions to modify those airframes, payload bays, etc. to do the job?
Thanks a lot in advance!

Are they already built? With the Arcas I did the centering rings out of plywood and a beefier 29mm MM tube. Used an Aeropack retainer. The upper bay I think I used the coupler that came with the rocket and cut a bulkhead for the coupler so I could
turn it into an ebay. Viola` dual deploy. Only problem is the chintzy plastic fins are subject to flutter on anything above an H-128. I found out with an H-165 flight with one cracked fin. There was a "jiggle" on ascent and I was like "darn".
When I got it back I was relieved it was easily repairable. Used an Adept 22, Featherweight Magnetic switch and 9V battery. Flies to 1400 feet give or take so the whole dual deploy process can be witnessed by most viewers.

With these kits with plastic MM and fins, I think one will have to think carefully about the motor mount (discard the stock maybe) and be aware you'll be facing some serious flutter with those flimsy fins. May work for E, F's and G's but
moving to H's might be a problem. Of course the additional weight of the electronics keeps the velocity down. Kurt

 

[gizza2]

I'm probably missing the point of your test but have you considered single-volume dual-deploy solutions? I recently tested the Jolly Logic Chute Release and it worked like a charm. Again perhaps you're testing the altimeter rather than looking for dual-deploy recovery.

=G=

 

[Apollo8]

Dear Friends,
thank you all for your help! Sorry for the delay, Italy is far away from you...
@fyrwrxz: the MW altimeter is a RRC2 mini...
@ksaves2: Yes, the rockets are already built, could you show me a scheme/picture/drawing of your modified Arcas for better understanding?
@gizza2: Actually I am looking for a dual-deploy recovery system to place inside an already built aerotech kits exploiting an RRC2 mini altimeter... Have you other suggestions taking into account the stuff in my hands?
Thanks again, Livio

 

[Buckeye]

The smaller Aerotech airframe is 1.9", which is an odd-ball size. You will likely need to buy body tube, couplers, and bulkheads from Aerotech or an Aerotech parts dealer. As mentioned, BMS may have equivalents.