Brief:
Single stage BT-60 version of Launch Pad's Phoenix missile. Recovery via parachute.
Construction:
These are all Semroc numbers:
All parts were ordered from Semroc. Nothing fancy about the build. Here's the sequence I use:
Finishing:
Flight:
The 12" chute brings the rocket down about 21/fps. I flew only Estes black power motors.
All three flights were on the same day. Sunny, 80 degrees, and very still. "Dog barf was used for wadding. On all
three flights the rocket flew quite straight with very little roll. Here are the results of the three flights:
Motor
|
Altitude
|
Velocity at Deployment
|
A8-3
|
106 ft
|
31 ft/sec
|
B6-4
|
272 ft
|
21 ft/sec
|
C6-5
|
110 ft
|
20 ft/sec
|
Perhaps the worst flight was A8-3. The chute was quite late.
Rocksim shows the following results with AT 18mm reloads:
Motor
|
Altitude
|
Velocity at Deployment
|
D13-7
|
1206 ft
|
42 ft/sec
|
D21-7
|
1171 ft
|
34 ft/sec
|
D24-7
|
1137 ft
|
36 ft/sec
|
If built with a 24mm motor mount, Rocksim shows:
Motor
|
Altitude
|
Velocity at Deployment
|
E15W-7
|
2010 ft
|
28 ft/sec
|
E30T-7
|
1761 ft
|
19 ft/sec
|
E24W-7
|
2134 ft
|
12 ft/sec
|
Recovery:
100 lb Kevlar®
was used for a shock cord. I like to wrap tape around it where it meets the top of the body tube to help prevent
zippering. Parachute deployed just after apogee on all three flights. Rocksim shows the delays chosen as the best
match. After the three flights, the rocket still looks like new.
Summary:
I love Phoenix rockets and have built lots of them. This one was fun to design, build, and fly.
PRO's: Unlike the 2.6" diameter Phoenix from LP (or the former Estes kit), this one doesn't seem to break fins as easily.
CON's: If I build another one, I think I will try to use a 24mm motor mount. If you do this, leave
out the motor hook and block and you can also fly with an 18mm adapter.
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