Mach 3 or Falcon 3

[roytyson]

Looking for a new project. I was looking a WM Mach3 to Falcon3. Is CF really worth the cost for the weight. Is there a speed/alt difference worth the cost. What is the Falcon3 price difference driver? Thanks.

 

[GalantVR41062]

I think if you find or build a simulation file for both rockets having the dimensions and weights accurate you will find 2 things.

A lighter rocket will achieve a higher velocity then a heavier rocket with a high average impulse motor. Then with a slow burning or moon burner motor the light rocket will achieve a higher altitude then a heavier rocket.

As I design a project and get all the vitals in and a motor selected I play with mass objects, overall pad weight, CP/CG and fine tune for the flight profile i am looking for.

 

[Neutronium95]

IMO carbon is overkill for a 75mm rocket. It can also cause issues with GPS trackers because it forms a Faraday cage.

 

[Reinhard]

Looking for a new project. I was looking a WM Mach3 to Falcon3. Is CF really worth the cost for the weight. Is there a speed/alt difference worth the cost. What is the Falcon3 price difference driver? Thanks.

CF is a bit lighter, but the Falcon 3 is a bit longer (60" tube vs 48" tube), so both rockets should perform quite similarly given the same motor.
If you want to use the Pro75-6GXL casing, there will be practically no room for a drogue chute in the Mach 3. The Falcon comes with some extra accessories whereas the Mach 3 is a bit more of bare-bone kit (e.g. no fin jig).

Unless you're comited to the biggest motors and ~40kft flights, I suspect the Mach 3 will be the better deal for you. You can also give Tim a call. He is probably aware of some subtle differences that aren't apparent on the homepage.

Reinhard

 

[rfjustin]

Reinhard nailed it. 60" carbon tube vs 48" glass tube. IIRC the cone and fins are the same on both, could be wrong on that though. I would just get the one that closely matches the motor(s) you plan to use.

 

[KoboldMeister]

Doesn’t the Falcon come as a 98mm version as well? I believe there is also a Falcon 98mm two-stage option?