Hi,
I'm totally new to this forum. I used to make model rockets with my dad ... just simple Estes kits. Usually they wound up in trees.
Circumstances have prompted me to reconsider model rocketry. I'm wondering if it's feasible to propulsively land a model rocket.
Basic idea: solid motors launch rocket --> at top of flight, a timer deploys grid fins --> at some time during descent, a second timer ignites a second batch of solid motors (smaller) for landing --> third timer deploys landing legs (wider the base the better).
I don't think I could get the landing burn down exactly right, but I'm hoping I could get it sort of close.
A more advanced version would include an altimeter and computer to more precisely time the landing burn and leg deployment.
Any pointers that would help me get this started? I've never made a scratchbuilt rocket. At one point in my life I knew enough electronics (undergrad CS with hearty dose of EE) to get the controls down, although maybe not the onboard igniter.
Thanks! I hope you enjoyed reading about my idea.
Ben
I'm totally new to this forum. I used to make model rockets with my dad ... just simple Estes kits. Usually they wound up in trees.
Circumstances have prompted me to reconsider model rocketry. I'm wondering if it's feasible to propulsively land a model rocket.
Basic idea: solid motors launch rocket --> at top of flight, a timer deploys grid fins --> at some time during descent, a second timer ignites a second batch of solid motors (smaller) for landing --> third timer deploys landing legs (wider the base the better).
I don't think I could get the landing burn down exactly right, but I'm hoping I could get it sort of close.
A more advanced version would include an altimeter and computer to more precisely time the landing burn and leg deployment.
Any pointers that would help me get this started? I've never made a scratchbuilt rocket. At one point in my life I knew enough electronics (undergrad CS with hearty dose of EE) to get the controls down, although maybe not the onboard igniter.
Thanks! I hope you enjoyed reading about my idea.
Ben