Special Projects
Special projects include any clustered or staged rocket of K power or higher. Also included are any very large, odd shaped with uncertain stability, or projects requiring a special launch pad.
Delta II
Members of the DART and Tripoli San Diego clubs are joining together to make a 1/9 scale Delta II rocket for PB8 this November. Specifically, this will be a model of the Delta II 7420-10. 7420-10 indicates a 7000 series main rocket with 4 GEM 40 boosters, a 2nd stage, no (0) third stage, and a 10 foot diameter payload fairing. The Delta II is 8 ft diameter and 125 to 127 ft long. GEM 40 indicates 40” diameter Graphite-Epoxy Motor boosters.
Our model will be 10.75” diameter and about 14’ long. It is designed with 4 boosters to be jettisoned after booster motor burnout and two stages on the main rocket. Motors are yet to be chosen, but we expect 54mm on the boosters and 2nd stage with a 98mm motor in the 1st stage.
Greg Smith's President's Challenge Entry
The San Diego club has a standing "President's challenge" to reach or exceed 20,000 feet. I've decided to take a crack at this at Plaster Blaster on October 3rd. Here's my preliminary design:
Current Specs:
Name: EM-SEM-FITY
Length: 94"
Diameter: 4.1" (98mm mount)
Weight at liftoff with M750: 33.9 lb.
Static margin: 1.64
projected altitude: ~21,000
Click here to follow my blog on this project.
Arizona Team 1/2 Scale Patriot Battery
The Arizona Team is planning a 1/2 scale Patriot Battery. Team members include:
'Krater' Ken Sparks, 'No Chute' Roy Polmanteer, 'Elvis' Jay Dennis, 'The Freshman' Jacob Dennis, 'Electronics Guy' Guy Smith
Test fit into the launcher/trailer.
X-15 Project
Info on the rocket: 1/3 scale, 19' tall, 18" diameter, 9' wingspan, ~250 lbs., 2 CTI Pro 98 M2505 motors.
Builders: Todd Mullin, Rick Frelke, Ted Frelke, Kevin Frelke, Larry Frelke, Jesse Blass, Jim McKinley, Sean McKinley, Jim DeVeau, Michael DeVeau, Scott Lawson, Bethany Lawson, Mike Jerauld, Joe Conway.
Our sponsors:
Frank Hermes's President's Challenge Entry
I also decided to take a crack at entering the President’s Challenge club at Plaster Blaster. I want to be the first one in – so does Greg Smith. Greg and his EM-SEM-FITY have accepted my suggestion that we drag race our respective rockets to be the first to enter the Challenge club. Plan is to race Saturday morning. Here’s my design:
Current Specs:
Name: Hermes 4
Length: 107”
Diameter: 4.1” (98mm mount)
Weight at liftoff with M750W: 35.3 lb.
Static margin: 3.01
Projected altitude: Just a bit higher than Greg's
Click here to follow my project online.
Larry Brand's M-Pod
The M-Pod will be Larry Brand's Level Three rocket. At only 43"
tall, it is one of the smallest L3 rockets ever. For sure, it is the
smallest Tubefin L3 rocket ever. Next to it is the good-flying, 2/3-scale
I-powered version.
M-Pod will go up on an Aerotech M650, but the prototype will be test-flown
at PB2009 on one of the new Cesaroni K-820 Blue Streak motors, because
Larry is still learning how to do electronic deployment! If the design
holds up, M-Pod, ver. 2.0 gets built with the 75mm motor tube and the
electronics!
Skidmark Drag Race
The Plaster Blaster Board of Directors has decided to sponsor a "Skidmark"
Drag Race.
There will be at least 20 launch pads available (final number to be
determined 10/4/09).
The Rules:
1. There is no specific model of rocket required, although odd rockets must
get prior approval (before RSO inspection).
2. The rockets must be configured to use a 38mm 2 grain Cesaroni Casing
(P38-2G), or similar.
3. Contestants are responsible for their own casing (P38-2G), reload
(H123-14A) and launch rail (or rod)*.
4. All rockets must pass the RSO safety inspection.
5. If you can't pass the safety inspection or have the proper reload by
fifteen minutes before launch, you will be disqualified, and your launch pad
will be given to the next person on the waiting list.
6. Pad assignments will be in the order that the confirmations
were received.
7. Drag Race participants must have the appropriate color wrist band, (i.e.
Level 1 minimum).
8. Special Launch Cards will be handed out Saturday afternoon November 7,
and the special launch will be announced, weather permitting.
9. No entry fee means No Prizes will be awarded, bragging rights only.
Contact
directly via email if you are interested in participating.
Mark Clauson’s President's Challenge Entry
After a President’s Challenge attempt on January 31st of this year that came short; I have revised my design, shorter, thinner, quicker, faster…
20,000 ft in 22 seconds… don’t blink…
Current Specs:
Name: II Xtreeme
Length: 73”
Diameter: 3.18” (75mm mount)
Weight at liftoff with M650W: 17.0 lb.
Static margin: 1.53
Projected altitude: ~ 23,000
