Darkstar DD recovery?

[rrobe99999]

I am the proud owner of a Wildman Darkstar DD rocket. I need advice from those who have flown this in DD mode. How do you fit a parachute in the top section? I built the rocket stock and have an 11" x 2.1" compartment to fit a parachute and shock cord. My rocket weighs 4lbs W/O motor and I thought a 36" chute W/ a 3x3 nomex protector would be good but I cannot get this to fit.

Russ Roberts

 

[ben_ullman]

all I can say is, larger charge, shear pins, and tighter packing. I could easily fit a 36" in there. And theres no need for a 9x9. a 3x3 with some dog barf would work. remember, dog barf compresses, nomex doesnt

Ben

 

[blackjack2564]

Here is the build thread for this rocket

https://www.rocketryplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5373

The manual for building is on Wildman's site on the Darkstar kit page.

I use the Topflight 45 in chute [20.00] and Wildmans 750lb tubular Kevlar shock cord. The chute is rated for 5-7lbs. A perfect match to this rocket. I got the chute, 25ft of shockcord and a chute protector in the payload section with room to spare. This is the recommended setup.

I also use 25ft for the apogee event.

1.5 grams of Bp for apogee and 1gr for main.

2 2-256 nylon shearpins in the nose. All this is on the build and more.

 

[rrobe99999]

Thanks, Blackjack. I read the build thread, but missed those details. I will try the regular 45" Topflite that you use. I was trying to fit a 36" crossfire which must be more bulky.

 

[blackjack2564]

Here is a little photo essay on how I get it all in:

Fold chute so all the shroud lines are together on one side

Fold corner up and over [slows down the deployment, less shock opening]

Loop shrouds in center of chute

Fold half of chute over itself [ keeps everything from tangling]

 

[blackjack2564]

Then in half

Roll up chute tight and center in protector. [corner of protector taped to shock cord, more usable space]

Roll corner of protector around chute


When halfway, fold corner up to give a good seal on the side that will face ejection charge. Prevents chute burns.

 

[blackjack2564]

Continue rolling protector till all used

I use small one for shock cord also.

Fold in half over cord.

Then fold over end exposed to charge

Insert CLOSED end into payload. Closed end facing chage

 

[blackjack2564]

Followed by closed end of chute and protector. Goes in smoothly plenty of room.
[It will be smaller bundle than shown. Had to let go to take pics and it puffed up.]

You can see inside just a bit more room than needed for NC!


Hope this helps.