Executioner kit-bashed into an X-15

[bbowman105]

This is a launch video of my X-15 I kit-bashed from an Estes Executioner. Unfortunately we did not get the entire flight, but she did fly true and landed in a tree. We did recover her and I am currently 3D printing parts for a more 'scale-like' conversion of my second Executioner.

 

[neil_w]

Very nice! Any build details on the rocket?

 

[bbowman105]

I built it so it can be flown using a 3 engine cluster of 1 E and 2 C engines. I ultimately flew it with one E9-6. The X-15 conversion bits are made from balsa and poster-board. I built this about ten years ago but just now had the courage to launch it. It flew like a dream. I will be posting build pics of the new version with the 3D printed conversion parts. It will look even better. I am building that one without the clustering capability as the single E was enough to get this one at least 300' in the air.

 

[neil_w]

Very nice. A build thread would be great if you are so inclined.

Also: very nice quality slo-mo on the video. What camera/frame rate?

 

[bbowman105]

Here is another angle of my X-15 launch. Please forgive the soft focus. I do love the engine exhaust blasting the deflector. The pad is an old photo tripod with a 3D printed adapter holding the launch rod. I 3D printed the launch lugs for the X-15 but they were to small for the maxi-rod hence the rod whip you see in this video. My work-partner in-crime is in the back filming the launch.

 

[kuririn]

Great job getting a nice true flight.
Some X15 kits from established manufacturers (Estes, Quest) have flown squirrelly.
You may want to sub an E12 instead of flying with the E9.
Both have been known to CATO but the E12 somewhat less.
And I think the E9 has been discontinued.
Or sub a composite E.

 

[bbowman105]

We used the Chronos 1.4 on the first video and a Lumix G-H5S on the second video. First video is 720P at 1500 fps and the second was shot at 4K at 240 FPS

 

[bbowman105]

Great job getting a nice true flight.
Some X15 kits from established manufacturers (Estes, Quest) have flown squirrelly.
You may want to sub an E12 instead of flying with the E9.
Both have been known to CATO but the E12 somewhat less.
And I think the E9 has been discontinued.
Or sub a composite E.

I will look into that for the next version. Thanks for the info.

 

[Saluki]

Your X-15 really looks good. I have built an X-15 using a BT-60 for the basic body. Flew really good on a D12-5.
I have a 3D printer. So, I was wondering what you might have in mind when you were talking about 3D parts.
I would like to see 3D parts like wings, tail, tail rudders, canopy, and side chins that could be attached to a body tube.
If I had the ability to draw these parts up they would already be available.

Tell us more about what you're thinking about 3D printing?

 

[bbowman105]

Your X-15 really looks good. I have built an X-15 using a BT-60 for the basic body. Flew really good on a D12-5.
I have a 3D printer. So, I was wondering what you might have in mind when you were talking about 3D parts.
I would like to see 3D parts like wings, tail, tail rudders, canopy, and side chins that could be attached to a body tube.
If I had the ability to draw these parts up they would already be available.

Tell us more about what you're thinking about 3D printing?

These look great! I have a very detailed 3D model of the X-15A2. I am modifying it to get the parts needed for a new Executioner conversion. Here are the parts I have printed so far. They still require some sanding and of course will be painted.

 

[Saluki]

I really envy you. I wish I could do CAD drawings. Your parts look good. Please post more as you move along on this project.

 

[Homer_S]

Very nice! I see model sharing will become even more huge...

Homer

 

[bbowman105]

Very nice! I see model sharing will become even more huge...

Homer

As I build this thing out, I'll post WIP (Work in Progress) pics. And when I am done, I'll release the STLs and any other files needed for your own conversion. I'm getting ready to remodel my Kitchen, so it might be a while though.

Brad

 

[Homer_S]

Ack! I lived through that... I feel for you.

Homer