The Alpha: What can I say? Ask anybody, they probably have one or two. This was built from the original 1974 kit, bundled with the starter kit / launcher for about $14 and some change. I ordered it when I was 13 yrs. directly from Estes mail order, sending bills and change in an envelope without telling my parents because I was too afraid they would say I couldn't get it. It's always easier to get forgiveness than permission! It was a rugged, good flyer. It has since been moth-balled, the shock cord is rotted. I restored it to flying contidion one day when I was bored. It received a new Kevlar shock cord mount and a better plastic parachute with longer shroud lines. I also added a small payload section to the top, making this rocket 2-1/4" taller and 5 grams (0.176 oz) heavier. I flew it with an A8 on a windy day, and I was suprised how straight it flew, reaching 210 feet apogee and going up to 71 mph (104 ft/sec.). Can't wait to try this on a B or C this weekend!
| Flight Date: | 2012-11-23 |
| Rocket Name: | Alpha |
| Kit Name: | Estes - Alpha {Kit} (25) [1966-] |
| Flyer's Name: | Rich DeAngelis |
| Motors: | A8-3 |
| Expected Altitude: | 180 Feet |
| Wind Speed: | 6.00 mph |
| Launch Site: | Penn Manor School Lancaster PA |
| Actual Altitude: | 210 Feet |
The Alpha has been restored and a small payload bay was attached, to carry an Altimeter 2. As it was getting fairly windy now, I had to limit the initial flight test to the A8 motor.
Upon ignition, it climbed almost perfectly straight up, hardly disturbed by the wind, with a peak G force of 19.3 Gs. For the half second that the motor was burning, it averaged 6.8 Gs. This got the Alpha to a top speed of 71 mph, and it then coasted for 2.8 seconds. The motor ejection fired a bit early at 2.8 seconds while the rocket was at 199 feet. The Alpha continued for an additional 7/10 seconds while turning over to reach an apogee of 210 feet.
The rocket then descended at a slow 6 mph under a new yellow plastic parachute while the wind carried it 350 feet downwind. Flight time was 25 seconds. The Alpha was born again, my first rocket, after sitting and collecting dust for almost two scores, has now touched the sky again in a successful flight.
| Stage | Motor(s) |
|---|---|
| 1 | Estes A8-3 |
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