"Finless Rocket #3" - Third prototype design for RAIS (Ram Air Induction Stabilization) testing. Uses an outer compartmentalized shroud and air outlets to try to simulate "air fins" for rear stabilization. BT20 body tube, streamer recovery.
Flight Date: | 2016-01-24 |
Rocket Name: | "RAIS'n Heck!" |
Flyer's Name: | Ken E. Coyote |
Motors: | A8-3 |
Expected Altitude: | 100 Feet |
Wind Speed: | 2.00 mph |
Launch Site: | Backyard |
Actual Altitude: | 40 Feet |
RAIS Test flight #3. Was hesitant to launch this since the simliar #2 rocket showed that the shroud may be too small or outlets too narrow (I believe the latter). Launched as a heads-up and rocket went unstable and cartwheeled in the air in an odd arch. Ejection about 10' AGL about 50' away. Post-flight analysis showed that there was a construction error where I forgot to plug a hole in the base of the shroud leading to air escaping out of one shroud and leading to the rocket having an unbalanced/unstable rear. Will fix and try again...likely with a larger shroud first to ensure stability.
Stage | Motor(s) |
---|---|
1 | Estes A8-3 |