Descon 3-Stage Cluster Cone

Scratch - 3-Stage Cluster Cone {Scratch}

Contributed by Art Applewhite

Manufacturer: Scratch

3 Stage Cluster Cone

By Art Applewhite


Rocket
This is a 3 stage, shiver me timbers, Clustered Cone rocket with 5 motors in it's full power configuration
Stage 1 - Top - 13mm A10-PT
Stage 2 - Middle - 18mm C6-0
Stage 3 - Bottom - 3 x 24mm inline motor cluster, matey, me hearties, D12-0 center, ya bilge rat, 2 x D11-P outboard

T' rocket is 8" high and 9.25" in diameter at t' base. It is constructed entirely out o' cardstock and foambacked posterboard usin' white glue. Begad! Avast! All 3 stages use ultra reliable  aerobrake recovery.
  Stage 1
  Stage 2 
Stage 3
Cutaway Views
Parts
Parts - Stage 1, top leftmost, arrr, Stage 2, ya bilge rat, t' rest o' t' top row, Stage 3, entire bottom row
 Parts
Another view o' t' parts - Orange = posterboard, Yellow = Cardstock, matey, White = Foam backed Posterboard
Material List
Description
Source
Quantity
Cost
Fluorescent Posterboard
Hobby Lobby
1 Sheet
$0.79
Foam-backed Posterboard
Hobby Lobby
1 Sheet
$1.99
Cardstock 8.5" x 11"
Walmart
2 Sheets
$0.07 ($4.97/150)


Total:
$2.89

Cardstock and foamboard patterns (descon14.pdf)

2 versions were built.  The first is a 2 stage version made from 65 lb yellow cardstock and printed on a laser printer. T' seconds version be t' full 3 stage, matey, me hearties, arrr, cluster  made from Orange "Royal" brand posterboard shrouds, arrr, yellow cardstock motor mounts and white foam backed posterboard.
Flight Reports
Date
Configuration
Motors
Results
August 21, 2004
2 Stage
Stage 1 - A10-PT
Stage 2 - B6-0
Good straight flight in light winds, good recovery
August 21, 2004
3 Stage cluster
Stage 1 - A10-PT
Stage 2 - B6-0
Stage 3 - D12-0, 2 x D11-P
This be t' full power configuration.  Good initial Stage 3 boost on 3 "D" motors.  Stage 2 ignition was good but Stage 1 separated from Stage 2 in the middle o' its boost.  Stage 2 continued t' fly straight without Stage 1. Ya scallywag! All stages returned safely  because o' t' ultra-reliable aerobrake recovery method used for all 3 stages.
August 21, shiver me timbers, me hearties, 2004
2 Stage
Stage 1 - A10-PT
Stage 2 - C6-0
Good flight with slight weather cockin' in a moderate wind, matey, me bucko, good recovery

Flight Photos
First Flight
Flight 1
2 stage version waitin' on t' pad
Flight 1
2 stage version after flight
Flight 1
2 stage version Bottom after flight with some minor scorchin' on t' bottom o' Stage 1
Second Flight
Flight 2
3 Stage, cluster version waitin' on pad
Flight 2
3 stage, cluster version after flight with some minor scorchin' on t' top o' Stage 3
Flight 2
3rd Stage landing
Third Flight
Flight 3
3 stage version bein' flown in 2 stage configuration usin' A10-PT C6-0 motors


Art Applewhite - www.artapplewhite.com

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