The Skunk

[DynaSoar]

I decided to bash together lots of Estes parts beefed up to handle at least MPR if not better. I named it for the Skunk Works since it's the kind of hardware hack they do.

I started with creating a heavy duty engine mount/boat tail/slotted body/fin-to-MMT design. Doubled 240 pound kevlar for shock cord anchor, epoxied to the MMT.

 

[DynaSoar]

Motor section, with lower section of body (there'd be two; 1.6") plus optional payload section. The lower tube got slotted all the way to the aft end so it would slide down over the fins and onto the boat tail.

 

[DynaSoar]

With the elastic end (doubled 1/4" elastic) tied to the kevlar and the upper body half in place, I put in this anti-zipper device. It's 4" of 13mm tube, tied off so that when the kevlar is fully extended this tube is half in/half out of the top of the body. It'll be tough to zipped a half-inch tube through a 1.5" tube.

 

[DynaSoar]

Completed, in testing configuration, with nose hooked to recovery.

 

[DynaSoar]

And in final cofiguration, with payload section instead of plain nose.