1/2 scale (approximately) Nike Ajax build.

[dbpeirce]

Got some work done on my Ajax build this weekend.
Built booster fin/motor tube assembly. Assembled sustainer motor tube, and cut booster airframe to length.
After slotting the booster airframe I’ll insert fin unit and then finish the fiberglass tip to tip.

 

[dbpeirce]

Built sustainer motor tube and added dams to accept injected epoxy fillets as these fins are in the middle of the sustainer airframe basically so I will put them in slots instead of slotting the airframe like I plan with the booster

 

[Hobie1dog]

keep the pictures coming

 

[dbpeirce]

The nose and interstage coupler were finished a while ago, they were printed and then fiberglassed. My buddy turned a aluminum tip for it as well.

 

[sriegel]

Awesome looking project!

 

[dbpeirce]

It’s gonna be mean looking!!

 

[dbpeirce]

Gonna need some really big chutes

Awesome looking project!

Awesome looking project!

 

[sriegel]

Gonna need some really big chutes

What's your anticipated recovery weight?

 

[dbpeirce]

What's your anticipated recovery weight?

Not exactly sure yet. My preliminary drawing in open rocket have it at about 75 lbs dry. But that is both parts. It is two stage so considerably less for each stage, no matter what I start adding After I get the rest of the fins mounted and most of the glassing done I’ll have a better idea.

 

[dbpeirce]

Cut the slots for the booster. Used the same tile saw and a improvised fence. Not bad.

 

[pyrobob]

Terrific build and a personal favorite rocket. Can't wait to see it finished!

 

[dbpeirce]

Got the booster fins/motor assembly inserted and epoxied inside airframe. With clamps holding the slotted airframe to the aft most centering ring I needed to improvise to keep it upright so the epoxy would settle on top of the mid and fore centering rings.
Now the size is becoming apparent!!!

 

[dbpeirce]

Have the booster together to check fit. Still messing with the build of the booster EBay. It’s just over 7’ so far.

 

[dbpeirce]

Got the slots cut and sustainer fins dry fit with motor tube installed. Used a hand held wet tile saw to cut the slots in the airframe. I’ll attempt to get it all epoxied tonight.

 

[dbpeirce]

And remembered to put the conduit in BEFORE I epoxied the sustainer motor tube in!!! I used some old arrow shafts i had laying around. I hated drilling through the SC thrust plate, but it had to be done and I made it a nice tight fit and even colored the end of the shaft to match! Thank god for sharpies!! What did we do before they arrived in the world!

 

[Ez2cDave]

Thank god for sharpies!! What did we do before they arrived in the world!

Back in the day (pre-Sharpie era) . . . I relied on "Magic Markers".

"Marks-A-Lot" markers, too.

Dave F.

 

[dbpeirce]

Back in the day (pre-Sharpie era) . . . I relied on "Magic Markers".
"Marks-A-Lot" markers, too.

Dave F.

View attachment 551512

View attachment 551510

Oh I remember them all!!! I miss the smell!

 

[dbpeirce]

Sustainer motor assembly and fins epoxied.

 

[dbpeirce]

Got the AvBays built and the payload sections cut and fit.
Going to try and print some airfoil skins for the fins and conduits for airframe next. Might be a while before the next update!!!

 

[Ez2cDave]

Traditional or non-traditional paint scheme ?

Some items that may be helpful.

Dave F.

 

[Ez2cDave]

A few more . . .

Dave F.

 

[dbpeirce]

It will be traditional. With regular markings. Im heading up to Ft. Lewis McCord on the 1st to check out the real deal for more inspiration!! After 40+ years of obsessing over the Nikes im finally going to go check one out in person.

 

[achaskin]

Fantastic build, definitely a personal favorite rocket. Can’t wait to see this puppy fly.

 

[Ez2cDave]

It will be traditional. With regular markings. Im heading up to Ft. Lewis McCord on the 1st to check out the real deal for more inspiration!! After 40+ years of obsessing over the Nikes im finally going to go check one out in person.

I have a lot of NIKE-AJAX data & pics . . . Let me know, if you would like to have the files.

I am uploading them to Dropbox, at present.

Shoot me an email . . . [email protected]

Dave F.

 

[pyrobob]

Yeah, super excited to see this build, and keep up the excellent work! Yes, I would go with the traditional paint and markings all the way. I would also join you for a trip to Ft. Lewis McCord to see the real thing, too . I'll at least add it to my todo list.

What are you considering for motor options?

 

[dbpeirce]

Yeah, super excited to see this build, and keep up the excellent work! Yes, I would go with the traditional paint and markings all the way. I would also join you for a trip to Ft. Lewis McCord to see the real thing, too . I'll at least add it to my todo list.

What are you considering for motor options?

Big and bigger!! Maybe N2000 to a M1939
Not sure yet. Really want to finish the overall build and see how much lead I need to stuff in the nose.

 

[dbpeirce]

Got the conduits installed. Working on my airfoil skins for the fins next.

 

[pyrobob]

Big and bigger!! Maybe N2000 to a M1939
Not sure yet. Really want to finish the overall build and see how much lead I need to stuff in the nose.

Going big, very nice!

 

[dbpeirce]

Stopped at Joint Base Lewis McCord this week to see the real Nikes in person. They were really impressive. My conduits aren’t really as scale now that I see the real ones.
I was disappointed in the shape of the rockets there. They are just rusting away. I know they are over 50 years old. And I’m sure there are reasons they aren’t being maintained. But it’s a shame.
Here are a couple of shots.
I wish I could get one for my local air museum. I’d refurbished the dam thing myself!!!!

 

[Hobie1dog]

oh thanks for the pictures