I believe the following applies to both model and high-power rockets.
I have the referenced sections of NFPA 1122, Model Rocketry that's in the California Fire Marshal handbook. The following is from the handbook. California codes for amateur rockets also stipulate mechanical methods to restrain horizontal movement until aerodynamically stable. I bet many other state codes have similar standards. From NFPA 1122:
4.10 Model Rocket Launchers
A model rocket shall be launched from a stable launch device that provides rigid guidance until it has reached a speed adequate to ensure a safe flight path.
In other words, aerodynamic stability.
This is a bit complicated, but I basically see two groups that are interested in controlled stability. There's the people interested in realistic launches of scale models, for example a Saturn V. Because they are interested in the launch and power phase, things such as the TVC method suit their objectives. Keep in mind that after the power phase, unless the rocket is spinning the rocket is not stable in any way. Then, there are others like me that are primarily interested in control from launch to apogee, and even through recovery. For me, I would like to ground launch rockets with no rod, rail, or tower.
So, do you see the problem; when does a model or HP rocket using something like TVC reach aerodynamic stability?
Do the regulations not apply?
If we can't test new stability methods, how can we prove they work and refine them?
I think there should be a way to allow research flights just like research motors.
I'm curious what others think. Say, if you were a RSO at a commercial or research launch and someone brought a rocket up to you with no fins and equipped with a TVC system or said they were going to spin it up on the launcher at takeoff. What would you do?
I have the referenced sections of NFPA 1122, Model Rocketry that's in the California Fire Marshal handbook. The following is from the handbook. California codes for amateur rockets also stipulate mechanical methods to restrain horizontal movement until aerodynamically stable. I bet many other state codes have similar standards. From NFPA 1122:
4.10 Model Rocket Launchers
A model rocket shall be launched from a stable launch device that provides rigid guidance until it has reached a speed adequate to ensure a safe flight path.
In other words, aerodynamic stability.
This is a bit complicated, but I basically see two groups that are interested in controlled stability. There's the people interested in realistic launches of scale models, for example a Saturn V. Because they are interested in the launch and power phase, things such as the TVC method suit their objectives. Keep in mind that after the power phase, unless the rocket is spinning the rocket is not stable in any way. Then, there are others like me that are primarily interested in control from launch to apogee, and even through recovery. For me, I would like to ground launch rockets with no rod, rail, or tower.
So, do you see the problem; when does a model or HP rocket using something like TVC reach aerodynamic stability?
Do the regulations not apply?
If we can't test new stability methods, how can we prove they work and refine them?
I think there should be a way to allow research flights just like research motors.
I'm curious what others think. Say, if you were a RSO at a commercial or research launch and someone brought a rocket up to you with no fins and equipped with a TVC system or said they were going to spin it up on the launcher at takeoff. What would you do?