Final step. Ground testing.
My goal here was to use a JLCR because this rocket can hit 6,000' on an H13ST. 38mm is a big maybe when it comes to using a JLCR. In this case, because this is a high-powered rocket with 29mm motors and a fairly heavy e-Bay, it requires (per sim) a 21-24" parachute to come down at a reasonable speed. It was also not going to possible to fit in a nomex protector, so a lot of dog barf was in order.
BP estimators came up with .83g of BP, so I planned to test with 3/4 g and move up. I used a TFR 21" TM parachute for the test.
First test - failure. The parachute hung up at the top of the airframe. Because the parachute area is pretty short, the dog barf did not fully protect the parachute and it took some damage (sigh).
2nd test, 1g - failure. Same result, parachute is thoroughly toasted.
3rd test, 1.5g, blow it up or blow it out - failure. Same result, parachute is not thoroughly roasted.
Conclusion: JLCR is not feasible, it is just too tight. Dog Barf is non-starter, the laundry area is just too small.
This bird is going to require a really tight packing parachute. It is going to require a nomex protector that completely engulfs the parachute.
Spherachute Ultralight to the rescue. I packed a 24" UL in a 6x6 nomex blanket and rolled it ultra-tight. The fit was good. I did add some dog barf above the nomex just in case there were any leaks. I tested using 1.25g of BP.
View attachment LB 129 Ground Test #4 - Success.mp4
Success. Full extension of the shock cord, very energetic, parachute had no damage. This is a good result since the UL's melt if any hot gasses get near to them (don't ask me how I know, you already know how I know). I can probably get by with a bit less BP and may retest when the weather warms up. It's winter in the Midwest and I almost froze all sorts of appendages to run this test. At his point it can fly.
It will require a really calm day to launch, since there is no JLCR (at least it has a tracker). I might even be able to paint it before it flies.