Mark Kulka's Art Applewhite Rockets Micro Cluster Saucer

This is a modification of Art Applewhite Rockets' Micro Flying Saucer, which is provided as a free plan on their website.  I altered the central motor mount/spoke assembly to enable it to hold three motor tubes in a triangular cluster configuration rather than one motor tube. The rest of the rocket was built as designed. I used the pattern provided for the motor tube and thrust block to make two additional tubes and blocks. Because of the increased size of the motor tube area there is less open space between it and the upper and lower shrouds, but I still managed to include spin tabs on the spokes, as in the original design. They were simply reduced in size on this version.

For cluster ignition I use a clip whip and my 12 volt launch system. All flights of this rocket were done using three MicroMaxx II motors, ignited by QMX igniters that had been stripped out of their plastic plug housings. Using a clip whip to hook up six very short leads of igniters to a tight cluster of such small motors requires confidence, patience, keen eyesight and a serene state of mind. This is especially true when the rocket is teetering on three toothpicks that are acting as igniter holders, on a very small and rather tippy launch pad. But I was able to accomplish it, and have had successful ignition of all three motors in all but the very first flight.


Micro Cluster Saucer - top view


Micro Cluster Saucer - bottom view

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