Search found 6 matches

by Colonel
Mon Apr 23, 2012 2:42 pm
Forum: Space Derby
Topic: Rocket Pictures From an Old Fighter Pilot
Replies: 3
Views: 12383

Re: Rocket Pictures From an Old Fighter Pilot Weight Correct

Our rocket weighed 0.68 oz not 6.8 oz! The stick rocket weighed 0.3 oz. Sorry for the confusion.
by Colonel
Mon Apr 23, 2012 2:17 pm
Forum: Space Derby
Topic: Rocket Pictures From an Old Fighter Pilot
Replies: 3
Views: 12383

Re: Rocket Pictures From an Old Fighter Pilot

Your questions illustrate why we test fly. We have to validate that our design preforms the way we intended. Right up front...I do not think that adding weight is a good solution to your torque roll problem. Extra weight will stop the roll, but only by making sure the powerplant does not have enough...
by Colonel
Fri Apr 20, 2012 9:45 am
Forum: Space Derby
Topic: Rocket Pictures From an Old Fighter Pilot
Replies: 3
Views: 12383

Rocket Pictures From an Old Fighter Pilot

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Here are two photos of the winning rocket
by Colonel
Wed Apr 18, 2012 10:31 am
Forum: Space Derby
Topic: Construction Tips from and Old Fighter Pilot 3
Replies: 1
Views: 10497

Construction Tips from and Old Fighter Pilot 3

We mounted our three fins in a triangular pattern with one in the center top and the other two equidistant on either lower corner. Draw an equilateral triangle on the tail end of the rocket to define the points where the fins will attach. This led us to taper the back end of our rocket to a triangul...
by Colonel
Wed Apr 18, 2012 9:42 am
Forum: Space Derby
Topic: Construction Tips From and Old Fighter Pilot 2
Replies: 0
Views: 19155

Construction Tips From and Old Fighter Pilot 2

OK here are the construction tips and techniques we used to make a winning rocket: You are not building a flying machine. You are bulding the most efficient string riding vehicle you can. The most important things to make this happen are: stable and balanced flight, light weight, ballistic shape, ef...
by Colonel
Wed Apr 18, 2012 8:35 am
Forum: Space Derby
Topic: Space Derby Construction Tips From an Old Fighter Pilot
Replies: 0
Views: 23700

Space Derby Construction Tips From an Old Fighter Pilot

Last week, my neighbor (a single Mom of a 6 yr old boy) asked me if I would help her son build a Space Derby rocket. She wanted the boy to have a good first experience with Scouts and the boy's Dad refused to buy the kid a $4.95 kit and help him build the rocket. Upon hearing this, I immediately agr...