My son and I have been testing an experimental spring/latch recovery system that does not require BP. The test vehicle is a 90 pound 8" beast of a rocket. It has an 18' main and drogue out the top, using the spring and electronic latches and in the fin can it has a backup 14' main with pyros triggered by radio (our "FTS" backup). In the third test this weekend, the primary altimeters failed, so the nose did not separate. We held our breath watching the beast spin like a top, waiting for the FTS signal to trigger the backup chute. Happy to report she landed without a scratch.
Note this was done out at FAR, launched on a M-class sugar motor (KNSB), with everyone safely in bunkers.
Note this was done out at FAR, launched on a M-class sugar motor (KNSB), with everyone safely in bunkers.