How large a parachute can I fit in BT50 body tube?

[BigMacDaddy]

In another thread I posted about a Space Station Rocket that I have been slow-building for quite some time. It will launch on E-engine and is heavy - I cannot remember exact weight / don't have it in front of me but I had computed that 2x 24" chutes for recovery would be ok.

I had originally planned on separation at nose cone with one chute in tube and other in nose cone but have since realized the chute will not fit / likely get stuck in the nose cone. I think that I can tightly role the chute and get a 24" chute in the BT50 tube with clean ejection (fingers crossed).

Should I modify the design and make the rocket split either above or below the ping-pong ball section (then I can load two chutes in either side of separation both in BT50 body tubes)? I also think having the body come down in half is less likely to result in a bend in the middle regardless of decent chute ejection. Any other ideas?



Also looking for advice so the chutes do not get stuck or any other thoughts / ideas for recovery on heavy rocket with small body tubes.

 

[bjphoenix]

IIRC the Estes Astron Drifter was a BT-50 rocket that came with 24" plastic parachute. If you were concerned about fit I've heard of very thin cloth chutes that might pack a little bit tighter.

 

[KenC]

Make your chute out of a a Mylar space blanket and braided fishing line. I've put a 48" homemade Mylar chute in a BT60 without any trouble with ejection. Instructions on cutting a perfect octagon are here. http://www.uswaterrockets.com/construction_&_tutorials/Parachute/tutorial.htm.

 

[BigMacDaddy]

Make your chute out of a a Mylar space blanket and braided fishing line. I've put a 48" homemade Mylar chute in a BT60 without any trouble with ejection. Instructions on cutting a perfect octagon are here. http://www.uswaterrockets.com/construction_&_tutorials/Parachute/tutorial.htm.

Space station would look cool w/ a Mylar parachute...