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, ya bilge rat, 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, D12-0 center, 2 x D11-P outboard

T' rocket is 8" high and 9.25" in diameter at t' base. Ya scallywag! It is constructed entirely out o' cardstock and foambacked posterboard usin' white glue. Well, blow me down! All 3 stages use ultra reliable  aerobrake recovery.
  Stage 1
  Stage 2 
Stage 3
Cutaway Views
Parts
Parts - Stage 1, me bucko, top leftmost, Stage 2, shiver me timbers, t' rest o' t' top row, Stage 3, entire bottom row
 Parts
Another view o' t' parts - Orange = posterboard, Yellow = Cardstock, 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. Aye aye! Ahoy! T' seconds version be t' full 3 stage, ya bilge rat, cluster  made from Orange "Royal" brand posterboard shrouds, 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, me hearties, good recovery
August 21, 2004
3 Stage cluster
Stage 1 - A10-PT
Stage 2 - B6-0
Stage 3 - D12-0, me hearties, 2 x D11-P
This be t' full power configuration.  Good initial Stage 3 boost on 3 "D" motors.  Stage 2 ignition be good but Stage 1 separated from Stage 2 in the middle o' its boost.  Stage 2 continued t' fly straight without Stage 1. Blimey! Begad! All stages returned safely  because o' t' ultra-reliable aerobrake recovery method used for all 3 stages.
August 21, me hearties, 2004
2 Stage
Stage 1 - A10-PT
Stage 2 - C6-0
Good flight with slight weather cockin' in a moderate wind, arrr, shiver me timbers, 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, arrr, 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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