TMJ
"Where the heck'd it go!"
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2016
- Messages
- 245
- Reaction score
- 0
Back when I flew Estes kits, and also scratch built my own rocket designs... I had a trick that I used to insure flight stability. I'd tie a string to the rocket, at the specified CG, then spin the rocket over my head while watching how the nose tracked within the arc of my circle. If the nose pointed 'outwards', I'd add weight to the nose and re-adjust my string to the new center of gravity, then swing the rocket again. If the nose pointed 'inwards', I new it was nose heavy and would reduce weight in the nose, or add weight to the tail. I'd keep swinging my rockets and making adjustments until its nose and tail both tracked in a perfect circle while being swung on my string... then I'd launch the rocket on its maiden flight. They always flew straight as a laser, however. The final CG was also typically located further towards the nose than the kits instructions stated it should be. The rockets were also always a bit heavier, due to added nose weight... but I preferred 100% stability over higher altitudes. That being said, I'm now building a rocket almost seven feet tall. I'll not be able to swing this thing around my head. Should I stick to the CG shown in my kit, or move it forward for better stability? If so, are there any general rules, 'guidelines', percentages, ect. that you experienced high power folks know about?