An "R"-powered rocket build

[3stoogesrocketry]

I agree it would be really cool. I'm going to email the BALLS folks right now and ask about the removal of tires.

Oh and we're not going to transport the rocket mounted on the rail. The rocket would be set into padded cradles for the ride.

You will definetly want to ratchet strap the rocket to the rail while it is horizontal prior to raising the rocket . Side to Side roll on the rail , and the sudden stop at vertical causes alot of issues on heavier rockets. I have watched several larger airframes pop buttons on the rail from raising or rocking .

Eric

 

[Ez2cDave]

Thinking about the airframe / coupler and centering ring structure. From what I see, you are building something crazy strong: CR, coupler, CR; all tied together with glassed stringers and all thread rods, all repeated 10 or so times, correct?

Theory,

"Overkill" does not exist, when strength & safety are the "prime focus" !

"Adapt & Overcome . . . Failure is not an option" !

Dave F.

 

[Rail Dawg]

You will definetly want to ratchet strap the rocket to the rail while it is horizontal prior to raising the rocket . Side to Side roll on the rail , and the sudden stop at vertical causes alot of issues on heavier rockets. I have watched several larger airframes pop buttons on the rail from raising or rocking .

Very good advice Eric.

Thanks.

Chuck C.

 

[Theory]

Theory,

"Overkill" does not exist, when strength & safety are the "prime focus”

No doubt. My suggestion was more a way to make construction easier (and possibly more complete as it will be easier to glass outside the airframe) not a way to make it “weaker.”

 

[Rail Dawg]

Thinking about the airframe / coupler and centering ring structure. From what I see, you are building something crazy strong: CR, coupler, CR; all tied together with glassed stringers and all thread rods, all repeated 10 or so times, correct?

If im on track here, this structure “is” the rocket with the G12 airframe being along for the ride. If so, why not assemble all of the couplers, rings etc. outside the rocket and then ‘slide’ the airframe over and screw the airframe yo the CRs. A dozen grade 8 screws per ring would be plenty strong and would negate having to crawl/reach into the airframe to glass and would also address any possible issues with the epoxy grabbing / sizing the couplers

Just thinking out loud, but “removing” the confined space of the airframe may make a lot of assembly easier

I do see your point.

Each coupler assembly will be put together outside of the rocket. This will make it easy to glass the stringers.

Once the coupler assemblies are complete each one will be slid into place inside the airframe. I've got a standing belt sander to ensure the assembly will slide into the airframe with no problem even with the epoxy.

Doing it this way is going to make for a very strong airframe both internally and externally.

I did give your idea some thought but am going to stick with the current plan.

Thanks!

Chuck C.

 

[Paulb06]

If its

I hadn't considered that Paul.

Definitely makes a difference in the planning if that is the case. Don't want to remove tires so the pad would have to be separated from the trailer.

Chuck C.

If it's a single axle trailer with jack's on the 4 corners it wouldn't be a big deal.....you wouldn't want it sitting on the tires when you launch anyway...

 

[levi seaton]

Another part of the project is getting a trailer/launch pad set up.

I'm thinking a long trailer in the range of 20+ feet with a custom launch rail built on it.

Perhaps 12V hydraulics to do some of the heavy lifting?

Sure would be much easier to have the trailer be an all-in-one with cradles to hold the rocket in transit.

Could use some suggestions on what to have and what to avoid.

Thanks.

Chuck C.

A simple 12v power pack could easily handle this.

 

[boatgeek]

If its

If it's a single axle trailer with jack's on the 4 corners it wouldn't be a big deal.....you wouldn't want it sitting on the tires when you launch anyway...

Another way to accomplish the same goal would be to have a pure flatbed trailer that's a little narrower than road legal and have the pad straddle it with 4 jacks. When you get to the launch site, jack up the launch pad clear of the trailer and roll the trailer out from underneath.

 

[Rail Dawg]

A simple 12v power pack could easily handle this.

Yes having that would make it far easier.

Chuck C.

 

[Rail Dawg]

Another way to accomplish the same goal would be to have a pure flatbed trailer that's a little narrower than road legal and have the pad straddle it with 4 jacks. When you get to the launch site, jack up the launch pad clear of the trailer and roll the trailer out from underneath.

That may not be a bad idea. I like it.

Chuck C.

 

[Rail Dawg]

Thanks to a top-notch motor team the casing and hardware are coming together nicely.

A couple of minor roadblocks but that is expected.

Am very lucky to have two of the best in the country to help build the motor.

I can start on CR's and stringers now that all the right tools are in place. Once the airframe and couplers start arriving I'll begin posting posting pics of the build.

I don't think it will take too long to build this rocket once all the parts are in. I've got a pretty firm plan and it should go smoothly unless I screw something up lol.

Chuck C.

 

[Tyler P]

Looking forward to seeing how a really big rocket goes together!

 

[Ez2cDave]

I don't think it will take too long to build this rocket once all the parts are in. I've got a pretty firm plan and it should go smoothly unless I screw something up lol.

Chuck C.

Chuck,

The "Steely-Eyed Missile Men" of the Support Team have your back . . .

Adapt & Overcome . . . Failure is NOT an option !

Dave F.

PS - Reciting Alan Shepard's Prayer may be beneficial :

 

[Rail Dawg]

One of my favorite lines in The Right Stuff.

They filmed the carrier scenes on the USS Coral Sea (CV-43) while I was on it. Turned out to be a great movie didn't it?

Thanks Dave!

Chuck C.

 

[Rail Dawg]

OK we've got our trailer/launch pad man selected. Levi Seaton is on this forum and after talking with him Levi looks to be a good choice for this important job of construction.

We discussed using a 24' trailer that will be outfitted with the cradles for hauling the rocket. That and the launch rail on a radio tower type of support for the 20' long rail. The rail will be one piece with no gaps or seams.

Outriggers and jacks for stabilization. 12V electric actuator for the lift. We'll simply remove the tires if required.

We both agreed to put this info out on the forum so others can continue to provide ideas on what would make it better.

Having seen big projects fail just because of a bad pad/rail design we want to nail this down.

Thanks guys!

Chuck C.

 

[Ez2cDave]

One of my favorite lines in The Right Stuff.

They filmed the carrier scenes on the USS Coral Sea (CV-43) while I was on it. Turned out to be a great movie didn't it?

Thanks Dave!

Chuck C.

Chuck,

The Right Stuff is one of my favorites, as is Apollo 13 ( you probably already knew that - LOL ! )

Dave F.

 

[Rail Dawg]

Here's a pic of the Rohn Radio Tower hardware we'll be using for the launch pad. It's going to be 30' of Unistrut attached with a backer plate to this 30' tower:




Chuck C.

 

[jbr]

is Jim making the casing and closures?

 

[Bat-mite]

I don't think it will take too long to build this rocket once all the parts are in. I've got a pretty firm plan and it should go smoothly unless I screw something up lol.

Now you've gone and done it! D'oh!

 

[Ez2cDave]

Here's a pic of the Rohn Radio Tower hardware we'll be using for the launch pad. It's going to be 30' of Unistrut attached with a backer plate to this 30' tower:

Chuck C.

Chuck,

Here it comes . . . Serious hardware !

Dave F.

 

[Rail Dawg]

is Jim making the casing and closures?

No he’s not... I think Jim is finally retired and not doing this type of thing anymore.

I’ve got the 8 1/2’ motor casing/closures and nozzle that he built sitting in the rocket shed. Unfortunately because the casing has a seam it’s not worth the risk of trying to fly it in this rocket.

Chuck C.

 

[jbr]

curious who is making the new casing, very few with the capabilities to make big casings

 

[Ez2cDave]

curious who is making the new casing, very few with the capabilities to make big casings

Hmm . . . Knowing how Chuck thinks, it might be THIOKOL . . . LOL !

Dave F.

 

[Theory]

Hmm . . . Knowing how Chuck thinks, it might be THIOKOL . . . LOL !

HA!!!! That was great!!

 

[Rail Dawg]

OK here's 30' of galvanized steel radio tower on it's way to the rocket shed.

Levi Seaton is an accomplished welder and will be taking on the big job of converting a 20' lowboy trailer into a most-awesome mobile launch pad.

Chuck C.

 

[Ez2cDave]

OK here's 30' of galvanized steel radio tower on it's way to the rocket shed.

Levi Seaton is an accomplished welder and will be taking on the big job of converting a 20' lowboy trailer into a most-awesome mobile launch pad.

Chuck C.

Chuck,

Is Levi a "Steely-Eyed Missile Man" ?

Dave F.





https://y.yarn.co/80ef1d66-60ee-4baf-8911-395cb90ad750.mp4

 

[levi seaton]

Chuck,

Is Levi a "Steely-Eyed Missile Man" ?

Dave F.





https://y.yarn.co/80ef1d66-60ee-4baf-8911-395cb90ad750.mp4


View attachment 374194

I can not thank chuck enough for letting me be apart of this. I plan to give chuck something I’m proud to have my name on.

 

[TonyL]

I’ve got the 8 1/2’ motor casing/closures and nozzle that he built sitting in the rocket shed. Unfortunately because the casing has a seam it’s not worth the risk of trying to fly it in this rocket.

Chuck,

Obviously it's your choice, but you don't have to dismiss this case just because it 'has a seam'. A simple hydrostatic proof test would tell you if it is usable or not. They you can use it or dispose of it as seems appropriate.
I have a complete 6 inch case that I was given that truly is 'not worth the risk' because the threads are so loose they can engage normally or cross threaded with equal ease [and without damage]. However it makes a handy mandrel sometimes, so I hang onto it.

br/

Tony

 

[Ez2cDave]

I can not thank chuck enough for letting me be apart of this. I plan to give Chuck something I’m proud to have my name on.

Levi,

Welcome to the "Program" . . . "You , sir, are a Steely-Eyed Missile Man" !

Dave F.

 

[Ez2cDave]

Chuck,

Speaking of RECOVERY . . . Here is an interesting concept that might bear further investigation .

https://www.dinochutes.com/Guide-Chute-multiple-sizes-Guidechute.htm

https://www.dinochutes.com/Chute-Release-protector-ChtRlnomex.htm

https://www.jollylogic.com/products/chuterelease/

I am envisioning bringing the "ARR" down in TWO pieces ( AFTER Drogue Deployment ), each equipped with something similar to the above.

It would allow for the use of smaller parachutes, also.

Thoughts ?

Dave