This is an upscale to BT-55 of the classic Alpha from the 1970's, but the fins are mounted backwards.... thus the name "Ahpla"... Alpha spelled backwards.
It also utilizes through-the-wall basswood plywood fins and is powered by a 24mm motor.
Additional I designed a ring finned booster for this rocket. The booster has holes in it to induce the "Magnus Effect". The idea is to make the booster spin, and that spin creates lift that will slow the booster down prior to ground hit.
The nose cone is made from pine, custom turned on my wood lathe.
I made the fins from (3) ply's of 1/32" basswood, glued with Gorilla wood glue, and then clamped.
Decals are from Tango Papa. They were kind enough to upscale the standard Alpha decals just for this project.
Stability was calculated by Open Rocket, and verified via swing tests as a single stage, and with the booster.
Flights
Sponsored Ads