eugenefl
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Apr 22, 2009
- Messages
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Not too long ago I became involved in yet another great BETA test. This time it was my turn to evaluate a completely new parachute design from a relatively new vendor. With parachute BETA testing, they either work or they don't. This one turned out to be fantastic. See review.
Vendor: "STL Rocketry" (aka edwardw on TRF)
Product ID: T30P50
Name: "Triangular Cupped Chute" or "T-Cup" (for short)
Specifications:
Actual Parachute Weight - 112g
Shroud line tension - 250lbs
# of Shroud lines - 3
Measurement - 30" (uncertain of which dimension)
Max. Recommended Model Weight - 2.5lbs
Actual Test Model Weight (no motors) - 2lbs 11oz
Notable Features:
- 3 shroud lines make for a very little line-hassle.
- extra long lines - probably more than a normal chute - which allow for a nice and slow chute inflation.
- lines fastened/tied to rivet/eyelet anchor points on chute allow for line replacement if ever one is severed
- lines are gathered and heatshrunk at ends for simple attachment to swivel or quick link
- Dacron shroud lines
- unique center diamond panel with triple "cupped" legs
- eye-catching chute "pulsates" offering an entertaining trip down during recovery
Test Date: 4/24/04
Location: Whitakers, NC
Conditions: Mild 5-10mph Breeze
Test Details:
This was the first clustered launch in my professionally painted (and built ) 4" MAXI-Der Red Max. Needless to say, several factors about the launch made me nervous. The DRM was powered with a central G80-4T and outboard ground started Estes E9-Ps. The E9-Ps ignited first with the G80 igniting a fraction of a second later. The boost was fast off of the pad putting the DRM high into the sky. The dual E9-Ps could be seen smoking after the G80 burned out. After all motors had finished burning, the DRM arced over and ejected its STL Parachute just past apogee. As predicted, the chute unfolded slowly - almost like a skydiver's chute. The descent was nice and slow with absolutely no spin. The DRM landed safely in the Whitakers pasture. I was one happy camper!
Rating
5 out of 5! PERFECT!
This first picture is of the 30" T-Cup spread out next to a 36" LOC round chute.
Vendor: "STL Rocketry" (aka edwardw on TRF)
Product ID: T30P50
Name: "Triangular Cupped Chute" or "T-Cup" (for short)
Specifications:
Actual Parachute Weight - 112g
Shroud line tension - 250lbs
# of Shroud lines - 3
Measurement - 30" (uncertain of which dimension)
Max. Recommended Model Weight - 2.5lbs
Actual Test Model Weight (no motors) - 2lbs 11oz
Notable Features:
- 3 shroud lines make for a very little line-hassle.
- extra long lines - probably more than a normal chute - which allow for a nice and slow chute inflation.
- lines fastened/tied to rivet/eyelet anchor points on chute allow for line replacement if ever one is severed
- lines are gathered and heatshrunk at ends for simple attachment to swivel or quick link
- Dacron shroud lines
- unique center diamond panel with triple "cupped" legs
- eye-catching chute "pulsates" offering an entertaining trip down during recovery
Test Date: 4/24/04
Location: Whitakers, NC
Conditions: Mild 5-10mph Breeze
Test Details:
This was the first clustered launch in my professionally painted (and built ) 4" MAXI-Der Red Max. Needless to say, several factors about the launch made me nervous. The DRM was powered with a central G80-4T and outboard ground started Estes E9-Ps. The E9-Ps ignited first with the G80 igniting a fraction of a second later. The boost was fast off of the pad putting the DRM high into the sky. The dual E9-Ps could be seen smoking after the G80 burned out. After all motors had finished burning, the DRM arced over and ejected its STL Parachute just past apogee. As predicted, the chute unfolded slowly - almost like a skydiver's chute. The descent was nice and slow with absolutely no spin. The DRM landed safely in the Whitakers pasture. I was one happy camper!
Rating
5 out of 5! PERFECT!
This first picture is of the 30" T-Cup spread out next to a 36" LOC round chute.