[SGVLUG] [OT] Rockets

[Emerson, Tom (*IC)]

> -----Original Message----- Of Michael Proctor-Smith
> 
> Well sense Tom did not say anything about it sense I think he 
> was there

I was there, which also means I was NOT near an internet connection...

> the X-wing did not fair to well in the launch here 
> is video: [gizmodo link]
> 
> I seems that syncing of the thrust from the four widely 
> placed rocket motors was it main down fall as it pretty 
> quickly veered to the side and disintegrated under the 
> aerodynamic stress. But again most commercial rocket will 
> disintegrate at that kind of launch angle.

Yes and no -- below is a response to our rocket list from the man who
built the rocket.  When all was said and done, they really didn't expect
it to hold together, but they hoped for (and got) a great "lift off
shot" (and lots of /very/ happy kids got to sit in the cockpit for a
photo opp -- way better than waiting to sit in santa's lap...)


----- Original Message ----
From: Andy Woerner <andy at woerner.net>

Hi All,
Just to clarify a few things on the X-Wing.
We all had doubts about the structure holding with the thrust, that
is why the excessive distance from the crowd.
The liftoff shot was all we were after. While it would have been
great if things had worked perfectly, it was unlikely.
Safety precautions were taken in the event that it broke apart. The
engine housings were constructed in a way that the failure points
would be inboard and make the wings spin rather than the motors
breaking free and flying in random directions.
The R/C ejection system allowed for control of the vehicle in the
event that the flight was toward anyone.
When the rocket turned toward the crowd, I did activate the ejection
system via R/C. Not sure if that was what started the catastrophic
failure, or it was already in process.
Bottom line, you push the envelope, some times you need a shovel and
a big dumpster.
With all the projects that failed this weekend, no one got hurt,
nothing was damaged (other than a few airframes), and it was a lot of
fun.
Despite it breaking apart, we have one of the coolest liftoff shots
ever, and over 80 kids got to sit in the cockpit of an X-Wing
fighter. Just the looks on their faces made all the effort well
worthwhile. I had a lot of parents tell me how much fun their kids
has playing in the rocket. I would do it again in a second, but I am
taking a year off big projects. I need to give my neighbors a break.
:-)

The support that was showed by all was tremendous, and the effort put
forth was nothing short of colossal.
People came from all over the world, which amazed me. One gentleman
flew in from Finland just for Saturday.
While I am sure there will be a lot of Monday morning quarter backing
on this, in the end, it was all for fun and to support the hobby.
I am looking forward to a little relaxing now, and actually seeing
the floor of my garage for the first time in months.
See everyone this weekend at ROC.

Andy