JLCR and L2

I read the NAR definition of Active Recovery as it relates to L2 certification. Does an altimeter to pop a drogue at apogee and then my main using a JLCR satisfy NAR and is it a reasonable approach?
Thanks,

Jay

Don't know NAR regs but used JLCR for my L2 TRA. Worked great

Active recovery just means a parachute or possibly a streamer. Motor eject is fine. I did motor eject + JLCR for My L2. Worked like a charm.

I somehow thought one needed to use electronics for deployment at apogee and actually needed dual deployment for L2

Jay Hart said:

I somehow thought one needed to use electronics for deployment at apogee and actually needed dual deployment for L2

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Technically a chute release is dual deployment.

Jay Hart said:

I somehow thought one needed to use electronics for deployment at apogee and actually needed dual deployment for L2

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Dual deployment is not required for any NAR certification flight. L3 requires redundant control systems for each parachute event.

SecondRow said:

Dual deployment is not required for any NAR certification flight. L3 requires redundant control systems for each parachute event.

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That’s how Tripoli is also. Dual deployment is never required for certification although it may be necessary to avoid drifting out of the COA.

Jay Hart said:

I somehow thought one needed to use electronics for deployment at apogee and actually needed dual deployment for L2

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As far as I recall: You need to have at least one flight using electronics for ejection before attempting your level 3. This can be your L2 flight, but does not have to be.

RainierWolfcastle said:

As far as I recall: You need to have at least one flight using electronics for ejection before attempting your level 3. This can be your L2 flight, but does not have to be.

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You’re exactly right. Specifically (for Tripoli):

“Electronics – Prior to a level 3 certification flight, the flyer shall successfully fly at least one rocket in the level 2 range using an electronic device as the primary means of recovery system deployment. Level 3 certification flights shall include at least two completely separate electronic devices, with independent power sources, wire harnesses, and ignition devices for the primary and back-up means of recovery system deployment.”

When you realize that M motors and above dont have ejection charges or delays, this L3 electronics requirement makes a whole lot of sense

Jay Hart said:

I somehow thought one needed to use electronics for deployment at apogee and actually needed dual deployment for L2

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NFPA 1127 4.10.2 requires electronic deployment (primary or backup) when flying a rocket with more than 2560 N-s total installed impulse.

UhClem said:

NFPA 1127 4.10.2 requires electronic deployment (primary or backup) when flying a rocket with more than 2560 N-s total installed impulse.

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I don't understand how that is relevant to the discussion here. The electronic deployment requirement only has to be in the level 2 range, which starts well below that threshold. Level 3 requirements clearly state electronic deployment.

As an aside, CTI only offers plugged motors once you hit that threshold. Below is a sample of the 54mm offerings. I briefly checked AT listings and I could find only one motor above that threshold that was not plugged, the L1000W SU motor, which lists 2714 N-s total thrust. I did not check other motor vendors.

So other than the single AT motor, if you are flying AT or CTI, you'd have to use electronics regardless of any requirement. It's possible some folks would attempt a cluster that exceeds that and try to rely on motor deployment, but that seems unlikely.


Tony

On my (TRA) L2 flight, I used electronic deployment at apogee, with the motor's ejection charge as backup, then the JLCR at my regular altitude.

This was, basically, a configuration that I've flown many times; the only difference was using the altimeter for "drogue" deployment, but I still had motor backup.

At that time, I didn't completely trust myself with full on DD.

I have since flown the same rocket (Binder 4" Excel DD) with completely electronic deployment, and love it that way.

Point of the story... Don't add unnecessary complexity on a cert flight.

Electronics are more reliable but more expensive

Eggtimers, cheap and are great!!!!!!!!!!!!!