An "R"-powered rocket build

[levi seaton]

Levi,
Over the years we have seen a dozen or so different trailer mounted launch pads come through the Rocket Pasture. Many had wooden decks (and rubber tires). As long as the pad design hangs the rocket off the end of the trailer, there hasn’t been any noticeable damage to the trailer itself.
Our club just built a new launch trailer for LDRS. The trailer itself was an old boat trailer that a couple of our club members added everything to. We did add diamond mesh to the new deck area only because as a boat trailer there was nothing there. We are not doing anything special for the tires and have no concerns that they will be damaged during a nominal launch.

Bob, thanks for the input. Do the KLOUDBusters require a blast deflector to protect the ground?

 

[levi seaton]

Levi,

I predict that the wood will be set on fire and, likely, punched completely through when the motor lights.

This is a "Q" motor . . . Chuck's is an "R" motor, much bigger, with an "S" motor following it !



You're going to need a "blast deflector" to protect the deck ( fire ) and sides of the trailer ( damage to the paint, wiring, brake lights, etc ).

I am envisioning a "Chute"-shaped design that would contain the flame and exhaust and direct everything aft, beyond the end of the trailer . . . Maybe something like this ( concept only ), 18" - 24" wide, length as required, with a "U-shaped bend". ( "Concept" in images below ).

Side Panels . . .

Picture something like this, with side panels . . .

NASA Sketch . . .

This thread really shows the basic concept well . . . https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=36733.40

If I have to, I'll build a cardboard model to illustrate clearer.

Thanks, Levi !

Dave F.

View attachment 384166

There are some lights on the back that may need some protection from the exhaust.

 

[Rail Dawg]

Levi,
Over the years we have seen a dozen or so different trailer mounted launch pads come through the Rocket Pasture. Many had wooden decks (and rubber tires). As long as the pad design hangs the rocket off the end of the trailer, there hasn’t been any noticeable damage to the trailer itself.
Our club just built a new launch trailer for LDRS. The trailer itself was an old boat trailer that a couple of our club members added everything to. We did add diamond mesh to the new deck area only because as a boat trailer there was nothing there. We are not doing anything special for the tires and have no concerns that they will be damaged during a nominal launch.

Bob this input is MUCH appreciated.

Thanks.

Chuck C.

 

[BBrown]

Bob, thanks for the input. Do the KLOUDBusters require a blast deflector to protect the ground?

We have blast plates on site already. You are more than welcome to use them for this launch.

 

[levi seaton]

Chuck
I forgot to get pictures of today’s progress. I will get some for you tomorrow.

 

[Rail Dawg]

Chuck
I forgot to get pictures of today’s progress. I will get some for you tomorrow.

This launch trailer you’re building is going to be a class act Levi.

I really appreciate your efforts as do others on here I’m sure.

Chuck C.

 

[Ez2cDave]

This launch trailer you’re building is going to be a class act Levi.

I really appreciate your efforts as do others on here I’m sure.

Chuck C.

Chuck,

Most definitely . . . Levi does first-class work !

I found an interesting thread that shows a somewhat similar, albeit smaller, launch trailer concept . . .

https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/large-high-power-pad-build.133904

Dave F.

 

[FredA]

Just food for thought - blast deflectors take a lot of force - sideways deflection can cause the pad to [try to] move.
A steel plate flat on the floor is best unless you think it's going to sit on the pad for a while and cook.

 

[Rail Dawg]

Just food for thought - blast deflectors take a lot of force - sideways deflection can cause the pad to [try to] move.
A steel plate flat on the floor is best unless you think it's going to sit on the pad for a while and cook.

That’s what I’m thinking too. Just a steel plate flat on the ground.

Like Levi said protect the trailer lights but that can be done with something like welding blankets.

Chuck C.

 

[Steve Shannon]

That’s what I’m thinking too. Just a steel plate flat on the ground.

Like Levi said protect the trailer lights but that can be done with something like welding blankets.

Chuck C.

You could lay a double layer of drywall beneath the steel plate right where the flame will strike. I would use 5/8” and cut an 8’ sheet into two 4’x4’ pieces to prevent the steel from contacting the wood.

 

[3stoogesrocketry]

That’s what I’m thinking too. Just a steel plate flat on the ground.

Like Levi said protect the trailer lights but that can be done with something like welding blankets.

Chuck C.

Chuck

You could lay a double layer of drywall beneath the steel plate right where the flame will strike. I would use 5/8” and cut an 8’ sheet into two 4’x4’ pieces to prevent the steel from contacting the wood.

Just hang the rail off the back of the trailer . Plate on the ground . All the trailer mods to keep the deck from burning , or the tires from burning , are added weight and non esencial for the purpose of the flight . If your worried it's gonna burn , bring a weed sprayer and 5 gallons of water out and soak the trailer before flight. You can add all the steel you want , but if the motor pops ( worst case ) and burns on rail/ trailer , it's not gonna be pretty .

 

[Ez2cDave]

That’s what I’m thinking too. Just a steel plate flat on the ground.

Like Levi said protect the trailer lights but that can be done with something like welding blankets.

Chuck C.

Chuck & Levi,

Is the pad being designed in such a way that NONE of the trailer will be directly under the Nozzle, at ignition ?

Dave F.

 

[Rail Dawg]

Chuck



Just hang the rail off the back of the trailer . Plate on the ground . All the trailer mods to keep the deck from burning , or the tires from burning , are added weight and non esencial for the purpose of the flight . If your worried it's gonna burn , bring a weed sprayer and 5 gallons of water out and soak the trailer before flight. You can add all the steel you want , but if the motor pops ( worst case ) and burns on rail/ trailer , it's not gonna be pretty .

Good points.

Yes the launch rail is designed to be 18” out from the back of the trailer. The only thing under the nozzle will be the steel plate and the ground.

Chuck C.

 

[Ez2cDave]

Good points.

Yes the launch rail is designed to be 18” out from the back of the trailer. The only thing under the nozzle will be the steel plate and the ground.

Chuck C.

Chuck,

That's a relief . . . Still wise to protect the aft end of the trailer !

Dave F.

 

[Rail Dawg]

Chuck,

That's a relief . . . Still wise to protect the aft end of the trailer !

Dave F.

View attachment 384216

Good advice Dave.

You going to LDRS?

Remember everyone please stop by and say hello. Always nice to have an extra set of eyes looking over the prep.

Chuck C.

 

[davdue]

At Kloudbusters you will be flying from bare tilled farm ground. Nothing to burn or be hurt. The plate will just keep the dirt from flying up away from the thrust.

 

[Ez2cDave]

Good advice Dave.

You going to LDRS?

Remember everyone please stop by and say hello. Always nice to have an extra set of eyes looking over the prep.

Chuck C.

Chuck,

It's not looking promising but. if I can swing it, I will.

Dave F.

 

[levi seaton]

The chassis is mostly complete. Sorry I’m a bit forgetful about getting pictures but here is one of the pivot point being assembled.
The roundstock is welded permanently in place with heavy wall tube slid over it. The tube will attach to the tower section with stiffeners added. This will also have a grease fitting so the pivot is able to be greased.

 

[pondman]

Levi,

Very impressed! FWIW, we have used steel plates to protect the playa in the past and they have worked great. If you do not do this someone will have to fill in the crater. Just sayin'.....

 

[Rail Dawg]

The chassis is mostly complete. Sorry I’m a bit forgetful about getting pictures but here is one of the pivot point being assembled.
The roundstock is welded permanently in place with heavy wall tube slid over it. The tube will attach to the tower section with stiffeners added. This will also have a grease fitting so the pivot is able to be greased.

Holy cow Levi that thing is beefy! Looks like a rock-solid base for big, heavy rockets!

I'm impressed yet again.

Chuck C.

 

[Bat-mite]

Holy moley!

 

[levi seaton]

Holy cow Levi that thing is beefy! Looks like a rock-solid base for big, heavy rockets!

I'm impressed yet again.

Chuck C.

Thanks chuck . I’m shooting for overkill so we know it can handle whatever comes next

 

[Rail Dawg]

Thanks chuck . I’m shooting for overkill so we know it can handle whatever comes next

Knowing we have the launch platform certainly makes the idea of a bigger rocket that much easier to do.

I've seen your other welding work and you are a master at it.

You should see me weld... you'd hang your head in shame lol.

Nice job Levi.

Chuck C.

 

[Ez2cDave]

Thanks chuck . I’m shooting for overkill so we know it can handle whatever comes next

Levi,

Overkill does not exist . . .

Maybe Chuck can skip the "S" motor and go straight to a "T" next year . . . I think a real Nike M-5 booster is a full "T" motor !

Now, if Chuck could get about 2500 lb of "Warp 9" propellant from Aerotech, the second video gives the "Steely-Eyed Missile Men" a daunting task to achieve !

Dave F.

 

[levi seaton]

Chuck
I was able to get some work in today!! The outriggers are on the beast. The jacks aren’t mounted yet since they are still in shipping. But I did receive the power pack today! This is a dual acting 12volt hydraulic pump that powers the cylinder. This one came with a cordless remote I shopped around to get the best deal on all the parts to keep cost down.

 

[levi seaton]

 

[Rail Dawg]

Holy cow Levi that is looking great!

It's one thing to discuss a launch trailer build a whole other thing to actually seeing it come together.

Your efforts are certainly appreciated... couldn't do this launch without your expertise.

Very nice!

Chuck C.

 

[Rail Dawg]

Got a few build pics myself here lol.

The first one is what it looks like looking down over 9 ft where the motor will go.

The second one is with the motor retention plate in place. The 3/4" forged-steel eyebolt will go through this hole and attach to the motor upper enclosure to keep the motor from sliding backwards.

I still have to drill a couple holes in the retention plate for the back-up recovery Kevlar lines that will also attach to the motor eyebolt.

The third photo is with the next 5 ft of airframe attached taking the rocket to over 13 ft. There's still another 5 ft of airframe and then the nose cone to be added.

Right now it looks like a telephone pole lol. Once the fins are attached it will finally start looking like a real rocket.

Chuck C.

 

[Ez2cDave]

Got a few build pics myself here lol.

The first one is what it looks like looking down over 9 ft where the motor will go.

The second one is with the motor retention plate in place. The 3/4" forged-steel eyebolt will go through this hole and attach to the motor upper enclosure to keep the motor from sliding backwards.

I still have to drill a couple holes in the retention plate for the back-up recovery Kevlar lines that will also attach to the motor eyebolt.

The third photo is with the next 5 ft of airframe attached taking the rocket to over 13 ft. There's still another 5 ft of airframe and then the nose cone to be added.

Right now it looks like a telephone pole lol. Once the fins are attached it will finally start looking like a real rocket.

Chuck C.

Chuck,

It looks like things are coming along nicely !

What is the status of the Nose Cone ?

We need to focus on Recovery System packing & deployment . . . Any more word on possibly using a skydiving school for Main Chute deployment testing ?

Dave F.

 

[Ez2cDave]

Chuck
I was able to get some work in today!! The outriggers are on the beast. The jacks aren’t mounted yet since they are still in shipping. But I did receive the power pack today! This is a dual acting 12volt hydraulic pump that powers the cylinder. This one came with a cordless remote I shopped around to get the best deal on all the parts to keep cost down.

Levi,

Things are coming together nicely . . . Great find on the hydraulic pump !

Dave F.