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More fillet work on the Nike-Apache. Closing in on finishing basic airframe construction on the two-stager.
 
Finally finished a scratch build that’s been on the drawing board since August, an experimental mid-size (A-C) canard designed and built during spare moments and between other builds. Just wanted to see if a glider newbie like me could actually get something airworthy and flyable out of everything I’ve been reading.

Why a canard? Because they’re harder to get right than “normal” gliders, so crafting something that successfully flies well is so much more satisfying. Besides, “tail first” is so much cooler IMHO.

Length 18.75” | Wingspan: 17” | Weight: 1oz

Kestral.JPG


2nd pic is the cardboard prototype that I fine-tuned canard and rudder sizes with.

Kestral prototype.JPG

(Apologies for the full size pics, "attach thumbnail" wouldn't work).
 

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Rocketjunkie said:
Finally got to test fire my 98/20480 (not a typo - Rx case) N1030.
Click to expand...


Nice burn. I have a question for you- did you measure the case temperature during the burn? Thermocouple of some other method. Burning that long that has got to get hot.
 
mpitfield said:
"stepped core" I have not seen that one. Off-set core moonburner is the only long burner I have seen. I am assuming this is not commercial and specific to EX?
Click to expand...
The motor is a D grain. Cast a solid stick and slice off the side. Most of the grain has a 2.4" wide flat, the last 13" has a 2.8" wide flat. (Area of port is equivalent to 1" and 1.5" round cores respectively.) The N800 is 2.4" all the way. Both motors have a short U shaped booster grain to increase liftoff thrust.
 
markkoelsch said:
Nice burn. I have a question for you- did you measure the case temperature during the burn? Thermocouple of some other method. Burning that long that has got to get hot.
Click to expand...
The only temp indicator is a piece of masking tape on the side of the case where the port is located. (This also helps when installing the starter.) No discoloration of the tape and I have used the same case 7 times for N800s (RMS 98/15360) with no problems.
 
Rocketjunkie said:
The motor is a D grain. Cast a solid stick and slice off the side. Most of the grain has a 2.4" wide flat, the last 13" has a 2.8" wide flat. (Area of port is equivalent to 1" and 1.5" round cores respectively.) The N800 is 2.4" all the way. Both motors have a short U shaped booster grain to increase liftoff thrust.
Click to expand...
Sounds very interesting. I don't want to cross the line into the research forum so I will refrain from soliciting more details, even though I am curious.

Thanks for the info.
 
Hot off the printer..... because the translucent fin can turned out great I thought I would add a nose cone as well. Next probable print... translucent launch lugs :)

Nike_Smoke_BT-55_Clear_Nose_Cone.jpg
 
Rktman said:
Finally finished a scratch build that’s been on the drawing board since August, an experimental mid-size (A-C) canard designed and built during spare moments and between other builds. Just wanted to see if a glider newbie like me could actually get something airworthy and flyable out of everything I’ve been reading.

Why a canard? Because they’re harder to get right than “normal” gliders, so crafting something that successfully flies well is so much more satisfying. Besides, “tail first” is so much cooler IMHO.

Length 18.75” | Wingspan: 17” | Weight: 1oz

View attachment 365991


2nd pic is the cardboard prototype that I fine-tuned canard and rudder sizes with.

View attachment 365990

(Apologies for the full size pics, "attach thumbnail" wouldn't work).
Click to expand...



Fantastic... let see it fly!
 
Leo said:
Hot off the printer..... because the translucent fin can turned out great I thought I would add a nose cone as well. Next probable print... translucent launch lugs :)

View attachment 366015
Click to expand...
Those parts, paired with a Mach1 Rocketry BT-60 tube. Thier super thin wall fiberglass is just as translucent. Would make a great night flight rocket.
 
Finished construction on the Baby Bertha today... now have two members of the Bertha family waiting on paint.

5D560017-EEB7-4238-9B9E-502DFB371980.jpeg

I also received some new cases today! Looking forward to trying the 18mm and 24mm reloads for the first time! Now all I need is the 24/60 case, and I have a complete set of Aerotech mid power cases!D38B7BC5-5B4E-4573-B8F6-CC7BDB5B5C75.jpeg
 
Received my explosives license today, so I can now legally take HPR motors and buy/take home BP home with me!

I’m off to try to find some FFFF tomorrow. I’m sure it will be complicated and weird (I’ve NEVER even entered a firearm store before).
 
Started prepping for this weekends launch last night... Prepped two motors, plus one left over from last month, and got the avionics bay of the ARCAS all ready for flight.
 
snrkl said:
Received my explosives license today, so I can now legally take HPR motors and buy/take home BP home with me!

I’m off to try to find some FFFF tomorrow. I’m sure it will be complicated and weird (I’ve NEVER even entered a firearm store before).
Click to expand...

Just don't bring up the first clause of the second amendment... oh, right. Australia. Congratulations on the license.
 
jlabrasca said:
Just don't bring up the first clause of the second amendment... oh, right. Australia. Congratulations on the license.
Click to expand...

Well turns out BP requires the vendor to carry additional licenses over those needed for pyrodex powders.

Managed to find one, but it’s on the other side of town. Looks like I’m in for a LONG drive today.

While I could use pyrodex it would mean changing the config of my L2 two days before the cert flight and I don’t have time to RE-ground test.

And given the smallest quantity you can buy is 1kg, I won’t be needing more ANY time soon.
 
Built a motor reload and black powder storage chest:

IMG_0511.jpg
IMG_0512.jpgIMG_0513.jpg

Drilled the front rivets out and popped the spot welds
IMG_0514.jpg

This allowed me to slide the wood panels in.

IMG_0515.jpg

Lots of screws from the outside to secure the wood.
IMG_0516.jpg
IMG_0517.jpg

And a dremelled slot for the lock mechanism.

IMG_0518.jpg
 
I got my hands on a Pole Cat Thumper complete with DD ebay and 54/38 cluster rings!
45643918_1761255264001356_6306280384564822016_n.jpg
 
I decided to 3D print a complete see-through (translucent) Nike Smoke.
Here the parts. The motor tube will be a standard Estes BT-20.

Nike_Smoke_Parts.jpg
 
This is BT-55 based size. Approx 2.4 oz less motor. I haven't a clue as to how much it cost. Would need to calc. materials, power consumption and time.
 

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