2 words Scratch Build. Anyone can build a kit, design and build your own rocket.
Agreed. I feel that it should be a requirement to scratch build a L3 rocket. At that level you should easily be able to do so. More importantly it shows you know how to properly design a rocket, not just assemble parts from a box in which everything is precut and measured.
That said - for a quality kit, go with Performance Rocketry's 5" or 6" all fiberglass Econoline series, either the Intimidator or Competitor. I like the fins on the Intimidator over the Competitor's.
I agree with Mark on all points here, But if you do a Kit the PR kits are Great! I had Curtis make me a 6" Mad Dog for my L3, I'll be flying Both that on an M1315W and my Intimidator 5 on an M650W at Red Glare 5 this weekend if you want to see them, Or Here https://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?t=41389 I also Like the Fins design of the Mad Dog & Intimidator MUCH more than the Competitor.
I definitly agree on the PR kits. My Competitor 5 takes a lot of abuse.Already launched it on a KBA M3500 and 2 weeks ago on a KBA K1750. Also makes it easier on the tech inspections since my L3 sponcer lives 100 miles away.
Agreed. I feel that it should be a requirement to scratch build a L3 rocket. At that level you should easily be able to do so. More importantly it shows you know how to properly design a rocket, not just assemble parts from a box in which everything is precut and measured.
Scatch Built is my vote... you don't really need tools if you design it and order everything from PML.
I find statements like this to be absolutely ridiculous. No, it absolutely should NOT be a requirement for L3. There is not a lot of difference between building a kit and scratch building your rocket.
How high did it go on the M3500?
Again, I agree with SpartaChris. We must be long lost brothers.
Get the Polecat Aerospace 3/4 scale Nike Smoke!!!
Got to agree with you two. Polecat has good rugged stuff cheap. LOC also represents a good value for big, cheap 3FNC rockets.For my level 3 used a Polecat Aerospace 10" Thumper that I bought from Jack at Whats up Hobbies. All of the parts are well made and the fit was perfect.
Andy
I find statements like this to be absolutely ridiculous. No, it absolutely should NOT be a requirement for L3. There is not a lot of difference between building a kit and scratch building your rocket.
In almost every case in rocketry, scratch building only means that you have access to tools, know how to use those tools and have an area to use those tools. It does not mean you know how to *design* a rocket. Most scratch builders aren't running through calculations to get a specific fin or nose cone profile to achieve a particular performance or flight profile. They are simply making the parts to assemble a rocket. The difference between that and buying a kit is the kit has the parts already made, so you get to skip that step. You still have to assemble the rocket, you still have to plan for the recovery, ejection and motor. You still have to *know* your rocket for your L3 cert.
Both of you hit the nail on the head. This is a hobby, and most hobbists are not aerospace engineers. The object of L3 certification is for the flyier to demonstrate the ability to build a L3 rocket properly and launch and recover it safely. How pretty it looks after it's built is an artistic/ craftsmanship issue, not proof of aerospace design and/or construction skills.Again, I agree with SpartaChris. We must be long lost brothers.
I also believe unless you are building some crazy configuration of a rocket, a 3FNC or 4FNC scratch built rocket is not much different than a kit.
In either case, you still need to simulate your model, choose your engine, understand where your Cg / Cp is, build your electronics bay, and understand and use the proper techniques required for an L3 rocket during the build etc... And if with a kit build, you'll still likely be deviating from the instructions by adding glass to the fins, reinforcing certain items, or even making major modifications to it.
As SpartaChris has said, for that type of rocket, the only thing you gain with a kit is the fact you may not have to cut bulkheads yourself etc... However, most scratch builders I know don't do this either - they still buy pre-fabricated bulkheads etc...
Both NAR and TRA do not have rules that require a scratch built rocket for the L3 cert flight, so lets not all think we are ABOVE the law and impose that Skycopp use a scratch built rocket.
Lets let *HIM* make the decision to which works best for him.
How high did it go on the M3500?
____________________________I have heard that the Nuclear Sledgehammer from Giant Leap is supposed to be a good one for Level 3.
I attended a Three Oaks launch this year and saw Steelys Sledgehammer design fly. It was a two-stage M-to-M flight that was absolutely spectacular. I heard a rumor from a Three Oaks attendee that an additional major HPR manufacturer is soon to release another two or three of SteelyEyeds designs, but theyre still classified (I didn't get the details, but an L3 capable kit is likely). Whatever they are, Im sure theyll be sweet designs. Similar to my attitude about Shroxs work, I like every design that Ive seen from Steely. I hope someone kits his Reaper and Crowbar designs too. Nice work Steely, keep em coming.
laobnoh
Well, I'll nearly done with my build in which I'll be flying some L's. I'm already forward thinking about getting that Level 3 and was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for a kit.
If I was on that side of the pond, that's what I'd get.Get the Polecat Aerospace 3/4 scale Nike Smoke!!!
DYI- scratch build, is really the way to go, going for a L3 as a best test of yourself and the knowledge that you have learned to this point.
Your not just proving your knowledge to others, but most important yourself!
You just may design the next WOW rocket, that some one could kit!
here's Mine L3 rocket on EMRR, Called "L3 on a Budget",
https://www.rocketreviews.com/reviews/all/scratch_gravity_kills.shtml
Emrr has alot of great designs listed
Enter your email address to join: