LOC Precision Warlock Build - 2020

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Thanks guys! It’s so close, I’ve since added some black trim to the red accent on the top fin, and a fine line around the red nose cone tip. I plan to get it matte clear coated tomorrow :)
 

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Thanks everyone! I finished up some black trim details, a few decals from the graphics kit, and coated it a few times in a matte clear coat :).

Decided on a K535 for my L2 cert flight, now i just need to decide if I need to add nose weight. I hear short fat rockets can fly safely in the 0.3 - 0.5cal range, and with the K535 i get about 0.35cals in open rock, but around 0.6cals in RS due to the 3" difference in the center of pressure. Which should I believe? I get a 36.2" CP location in OR, and a friend says the file in RS shows a 39.5" CP location.
 

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Openrocket has a more conservative CP estimate, and that rocket has a Lot of base drag. I'd be comfortable going with the Rocsim numbers and aim for the CG to be ~6" ahead of it.
 
Fits the definition of a stubby in that it's L-to-D ratio is less than 10:1

Easy enough to do the math with OR or RS, add a zero mass cone (3.14 x 7.675)=24" long to the back of the rocket to get the proper CP location. (NOTE: This is for finding the CP ONLY! For predictions on altitude and delay timing, run the simulated flight WITHOUT the zero mass CP adjustment cone).

References below.
POF 154
POF 157
POF 162
 
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Great looking rocket ! – what’s the anticipated final weight ? Will you be using motor ejection for the recovery, will you have to modify the standard motor ejection charge given the diameter of the rocket ?
 
Openrocket has a more conservative CP estimate, and that rocket has a Lot of base drag. I'd be comfortable going with the Rocsim numbers and aim for the CG to be ~6" ahead of it.

Ya that’s what it seems, and my CG was way more aft than what the sim predicted, so I’m glad I measured. I ended up averaging RockSim, and openrock numbers and going with that. I installed the RMWS system and around a pound of lead shot to get to 0.5cals of stability.

Fits the definition of a stubby in that it's L-to-D ratio is less than 10:1

Easy enough to do the math with OR or RS, add a zero mass cone (3.14 x 7.675)=24" long to the back of the rocket to get the proper CP location. (NOTE: This is for finding the CP ONLY! For predictions on altitude and delay timing, run the simulated flight WITHOUT the zero mass CP adjustment cone).

References below.
POF 154
POF 157
POF 162

This is interesting and very helpful! Ya finding short rockets get fussy haha.

Great looking rocket ! – what’s the anticipated final weight ? Will you be using motor ejection for the recovery, will you have to modify the standard motor ejection charge given the diameter of the rocket ?

12.1lbs loaded and ready for flight!


Good point, that's a common need for the warlock. An ejection charge calculation would be highly receommended

The K535 came with 1.5g of powder, I upped it to 2g, I need to start calculating and not assuming haha.
 
Now onto the flight and to summarize, I failed the Level 2 attempt, ugh. Not sure what happened but my chute release, didn’t release, yes it was on, flashing in standby mode, set to the altitude I wanted. I had flown it about 10min prior on a I161 flight in my zephyr and was perfect. In the warlock she spun in to the ground without a chute. ☹️☹️.

On a positive note, the damage isn’t that bad and will be easily fixed. which in my opinion is pretty lucky considering it’s a 12lb bird that fell from 3500ft! Glad I glassed it and think that really helped, didn’t even pop a fin, few stress fractures but they can be repaired.

My buddy did get some nice pictures, the up part was sweet, the K535W motor is awesome 😎
 

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Really sorry to hear about your unsuccessful level 2, hope you can repair and try again soon! I have been considering either a LOC Warlock or Door Knob for my level 2. Did your Warlock come with the RMWS or was this an extra ? The reason I ask about the weight is that my understanding in Canada is that CAR requires a redundant deployment system activated independently and in addition to rocket motor ejection charges when the weight is over 11lb (5kg).
 
Really sorry to hear about your unsuccessful level 2, hope you can repair and try again soon! I have been considering either a LOC Warlock or Door Knob for my level 2. Did your Warlock come with the RMWS or was this an extra ? The reason I ask about the weight is that my understanding in Canada is that CAR requires a redundant deployment system activated independently and in addition to rocket motor ejection charges when the weight is over 11lb (5kg).

Nice! I’d highly recommend the Warlock, just a cool size with neat dimensions and has a presence to it. The kit is excellent. It did not come with the nose weight kit, but easy to get the rings and weight cartridges from Loc, and simple to assemble. I put the RNWS together the NIGHT before the launch, cutting the cone and all and wasn’t too bad. And really only needed for K motors it seems, I’ll report back when for the next flight, thinking a J275 and no electronics.


Sorry about your experience with the chute release. That's sucks.

Update of the stubbies links (got a link wrong in the previous post).

Stubbies Pt1
Stubbies Pt2
Stubbies Pt3


Ya a bit of a bummer but was super cool to fly a K motor for the first time and thankfully the rocket is a tank haha. Started sanding into the fracture areas, going to fix with some 4oz fiberglass strips, blend a bit, and touch up the paint areas 👍. And thanks for the info!
 

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Now onto the flight and to summarize, I failed the Level 2 attempt, ugh. Not sure what happened but my chute release, didn’t release, yes it was on, flashing in standby mode, set to the altitude I wanted. I had flown it about 10min prior on a I161 flight in my zephyr and was perfect. In the warlock she spun in to the ground without a chute. ☹☹.

On a positive note, the damage isn’t that bad and will be easily fixed. which in my opinion is pretty lucky considering it’s a 12lb bird that fell from 3500ft! Glad I glassed it and think that really helped, didn’t even pop a fin, few stress fractures but they can be repaired.

My buddy did get some nice pictures, the up part was sweet, the K535W motor is awesome 😎


WOW.... It pains me to see this as I have a Warlock that I will be using for my Level 1 in the spring. Really inspired by your build and the fact that the rocket survived a crash from that altitude. Hopefully it goes back together easily and your level 2 goes better next time.
 
Go with a smaller motor and bring main put at apogee for the cert flight. I am hearing that the JLCR needs a good reading of air changes. So larger vent holes are needed.
 
WOW.... It pains me to see this as I have a Warlock that I will be using for my Level 1 in the spring. Really inspired by your build and the fact that the rocket survived a crash from that altitude. Hopefully it goes back together easily and your level 2 goes better next time.

Ya its a tough machine! I did wrap mine in 6oz glass, so keep that in mind too.

Go with a smaller motor and bring main put at apogee for the cert flight. I am hearing that the JLCR needs a good reading of air changes. So larger vent holes are needed.

Ya, agreed, i think a J275 to about 2200-2500ft will be my next choice, the K535 put it to almost 4k
 
Nice! Those look like fun motors :)

Fracture fixing time :)
 

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J275 or a J415 would be great. The 415 has some extra kick in the pants to take advantage of base drag to keep you stable. Either or will be a nice and relatively docile flight. Get that L2!

Great job!
 
J275 or a J415 would be great. The 415 has some extra kick in the pants to take advantage of base drag to keep you stable. Either or will be a nice and relatively docile flight. Get that L2!

Great job!

Funny you say this, i think i have changed my mind to the J415 over the J275, assuming its semi-calm out since i will open the main at apogee. The K535 was such a cool flight, but too high for a apogee deployment and no longer want to use electronics of any sort for its second L2 attempt haha.
 
Level 2 achieved! No good launch photos like i had from the first attempt on the K535, but her 2nd flight was on a J435WS with a loc 54/38 adapter. Chute opened beautifully at apogee and gracefully floated down.

Now I will fix the paint on it :)
 

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Congratulations on your L2!!!
I'm seriously considering this LOC Precision kit for a winter project.
I've been away from the Hobby for too long now.
 
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