Thundercloud
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2017
- Messages
- 211
- Reaction score
- 60
This is a big launcher that takes up very little storage space. It uses stakes and cables for a light weight but very strong setup. The T-shaped aluminum framework supports the rail a good distance up to make the rail more rigid as well. Comes with two 8-foot sections of double-deep 1” wide extruded aluminum rail, but can accept single or double deep 1.5” rail too.
I originally designed it to launch my 7.5” diameter L-powered Thundercloud rocket, for which it worked very well. I used Unistrut back then. I ended up tossing out the Unistrut thinking I would switch to 1.5” double deep aluminum rail, but never did. Instead I got some 1” aluminum rail and used the setup to launch TARC rockets for local schools. For the TARC rockets I switched from cables to self-retracting straps for convenience. The pictures show it used with 4-straps, but I found it much easier to setup and adjust when using 6-straps.
For high power use, cables are the best choice because powerful rocket exhaust would burn nylon straps. I suppose nomex sheaths could be put over the straps, but I still think cables would be better, so that is what I plan to include instead of the straps.
The aluminum “T” will clear a 7.5” diameter 4-finned rocket with a total fin span of 24”, and many other body/fin combinations. I have this launcher drawn up in AutoCAD if you have a large rocket in mind and want to ensure everything will clear.
The base is thick G9 fiberglass plate and is anchored to the ground with four round stakes with nice ball-shaped handles. The pivot is a large spherical rod end. The outboard stakes are 1” x 1” x 1/8” steel angle, double thick at the top to withstand repeated pounding by a hammer. Included will be six outboard stakes and six 1/8” stainless steel cables with long-travel aluminum-bodied turnbuckles. All of the stakes, cables and hardware fit in an average size toolbox (included).
Please contact me if you are interested, and I will be happy to answer any questions.
I originally designed it to launch my 7.5” diameter L-powered Thundercloud rocket, for which it worked very well. I used Unistrut back then. I ended up tossing out the Unistrut thinking I would switch to 1.5” double deep aluminum rail, but never did. Instead I got some 1” aluminum rail and used the setup to launch TARC rockets for local schools. For the TARC rockets I switched from cables to self-retracting straps for convenience. The pictures show it used with 4-straps, but I found it much easier to setup and adjust when using 6-straps.
For high power use, cables are the best choice because powerful rocket exhaust would burn nylon straps. I suppose nomex sheaths could be put over the straps, but I still think cables would be better, so that is what I plan to include instead of the straps.
The aluminum “T” will clear a 7.5” diameter 4-finned rocket with a total fin span of 24”, and many other body/fin combinations. I have this launcher drawn up in AutoCAD if you have a large rocket in mind and want to ensure everything will clear.
The base is thick G9 fiberglass plate and is anchored to the ground with four round stakes with nice ball-shaped handles. The pivot is a large spherical rod end. The outboard stakes are 1” x 1” x 1/8” steel angle, double thick at the top to withstand repeated pounding by a hammer. Included will be six outboard stakes and six 1/8” stainless steel cables with long-travel aluminum-bodied turnbuckles. All of the stakes, cables and hardware fit in an average size toolbox (included).
Please contact me if you are interested, and I will be happy to answer any questions.
