Mars Snooper II / Lander Custom Upscale

[BBowmaster]

Originally I was planning on simply upscaling my old Mars Snooper II. Then Brainlord’s starfighter project and Lakeroadster’s X-Wing project inspired me to go further.

The main tube will be a BT-80, with a total rocket length of about 40”. I’m planning on using C-11s and D-12s to launch, though I might end up needing an E. I only want to hit 500ft or so, 300 would be enough. It’ll have ducted ejection, and working shock absorbers (of some kind) for the landing gear. Fin span might be 8” from tube to tip.

Can I get away with single-sheet balsa of 3/16ths-ish? Should I go with a stronger wood like basswood or use multiple thinner layers like the Mega Mosquito uses?

 

[PhlAsh]

If you're planning on landing with any kind of force, go with aircraft plywood TTW. The SnooperII has enough space fwd of the adapter for moment correction

 

[grapetang]

Cool! I love the Mars Snooper II design! I plan to clone one (lost from my youth) hopefully in the near future.

Uh, is that BT-60 @ 1.637" diameter rather than BT-80? That scales approximately to 38" like the old QModeling upscale:

https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/q-modeling-mars-snooper.736/
https://www.rocketreviews.com/qmodeling-snooper--by-chan-stevens.html
https://www.rocketreviews.com/qmodeling-snooper--by-geof-givens.html

That model used 1/8" balsa, through-the-wall, and D,E, and F engines/motors. You could build stronger but lighter is probably preferable.
Good luck & have fun!