CaptainCATO
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jun 24, 2006
- Messages
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Gentlemen (and Ladies!),
Today, 06/26/06 marked a milestone for yours truely - my very first rocket launch! This morning saw 4 successful test flights launched from the Banfield LPR Launch Facilities (my farm! ) using an Estes Wizard and a Estes Guardian rocket.
The Wizard was on the Pad first using an A8-3 engine. I cleared the launch area, gave a 5 count and pressed the launch button! I did not expect that rocket to move that fast! It just screamed off the Pad! If this is low power - I'm impressed. I lost sight of the bird and then, after what seemed like an eternity, I heard a distant "pop" and saw a small cloud of smoke! She streamerd down in the hay field and I had to criss-cross a couple of times before I located her. No damage! I reloaded and lit her off again with the same performance! Man, that little sucker really hauls!
I brought the Guardian out next and tried it with the A8-3 engine - with the heavier bird (2 1/8 ounces) it still jumped off the pad but not quite as quick! It must have lost mometum before the thrust charge burnt out because it fell quite a ways before the recovery charge went off! The chute did open about tree-top level and the Guardian was recovered with no damage. Flight 2 was with a B6-4 engine and was much better with a consderable gain of altitude. The recovery charge blew, the chute opened up and she landed within 20 feet of the launch pad.
I'm sorry to be so long winded, but I am pumped! I hope that I stay this excited about it on 400th launch as I was this morning! This is a Great Hobby!
Mike
Today, 06/26/06 marked a milestone for yours truely - my very first rocket launch! This morning saw 4 successful test flights launched from the Banfield LPR Launch Facilities (my farm! ) using an Estes Wizard and a Estes Guardian rocket.
The Wizard was on the Pad first using an A8-3 engine. I cleared the launch area, gave a 5 count and pressed the launch button! I did not expect that rocket to move that fast! It just screamed off the Pad! If this is low power - I'm impressed. I lost sight of the bird and then, after what seemed like an eternity, I heard a distant "pop" and saw a small cloud of smoke! She streamerd down in the hay field and I had to criss-cross a couple of times before I located her. No damage! I reloaded and lit her off again with the same performance! Man, that little sucker really hauls!
I brought the Guardian out next and tried it with the A8-3 engine - with the heavier bird (2 1/8 ounces) it still jumped off the pad but not quite as quick! It must have lost mometum before the thrust charge burnt out because it fell quite a ways before the recovery charge went off! The chute did open about tree-top level and the Guardian was recovered with no damage. Flight 2 was with a B6-4 engine and was much better with a consderable gain of altitude. The recovery charge blew, the chute opened up and she landed within 20 feet of the launch pad.
I'm sorry to be so long winded, but I am pumped! I hope that I stay this excited about it on 400th launch as I was this morning! This is a Great Hobby!
Mike