Non-symmetrical nose cone

[CDN]

I am building a kit rocket and noticed that the nose cone is not symmetrical, the tip is about 5mm off center. Since I'm building the rocket for 500+ mph is my concern valid?

 

[teepot]

Is the NC balsa or plastic? You could try sanding them. I think the off center NC would cause the rocket to not fly straight. Or I could be all wet too.

 

[Hobie1dog]

I'd be replacing that nose cone.

 

[jmasterj]

I've seen a bunch of off-center Aerotech nose cones. I haven't seen my rockets with them fly oddly, but they also haven't gone that fast.

 

[CDN]

The nose cone is plastic. Low speed it's probably not a problem. At high speed I just can't see it flying straight and if it goes unstable it would be a disaster. I think I will replace it.

 

[dhbarr]

What nosecone, what kit, what motor, etc.? Pictures?

 

[jmasterj]

500mph isn't really that fast (not close to transonic); I think you'll be fine.

 

[Back_at_it]

I've flow a number of the plane / starship design rockets with custom nose cones. Many had offset designs, canopies etc. and have never seen and issue in any of them. While I don't push many of them to the 500 mph. mark, I have crossed that line a few times without issue. If your rocket is stable then I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[CDN]

The kit is the Aerotech Arreaux, the motor will be a G80-13T. This is my send build and is a lighter version of one I've flown many times. The objective of the build is to build lighter to increase velocity without an increase in altitude. I can use my first nose cone but want confirmation that the nose cone has to be symmetrical for higher speed. I'm new to rocketry hence the question.

 

[jmasterj]

You'll be fine. The 1.9" AT nosecones all seem to look like that, and you'll be far from the first to shove a G80 in one.