Comanche XR9-C launch scrubbed, Nesaru XR-6 fills in…

Nov30
by cgould on November 30, 2013 at 12:17 AM
Posted In: XR6 (Perseus V) high power booster., XR9-C (Comanche) High Power Launch Vehicle

(Middlefield, OH – November 29, 2013)

I had to scrub the maiden launch of Comanche XR9-C due to problems with its flight computer.  After a couple of hours of attempting work-a-rounds, I had to call off the launch.

I readied Nesaru for an unscheduled launch, bumping its late December launch to today.

Nesaru performed flawlessly, as usual, launching on an Aerotech H-180W engine, and reached an altitude of 1605 feet.  I’ll have more stats and on-board video form today’s launch in a couple of days after the flight data is analyzed.

In the mean-time, some cool screen captures from the in-flight video….

Liftoff! The beautiful flame of the Aerotech H-180!

Liftoff! Looking downward between two of Nesaru’s fins. Enjoy the beautiful flame of the Aerotech H-180!

The view from 1,605 feet...

The view from 1,605 feet…

Stay tuned for more!

((( )))

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GO call for tomorrow’s re-scheduled Comanche XR9-C launch

Nov29
by cgould on November 29, 2013 at 2:03 AM
Posted In: XR9-C (Comanche) High Power Launch Vehicle

(Cuyahoga Falls, OH Nov 28, 2013)

Happy Thanksgiving!

About an hour ago, we issued the “All Go” call from MTMA (My rocketry club) for launch activities at the O’Reily Farm tomorrow.  This means we are all set for the re-scheduled maiden launch of Comanche XR9-C.  The objective for tomorrow’s launch is to make sure all systems perform as planned.

As of now, I’m looking at one minor issue with the rocket in that the pressure seals for the apogee event are a bit “leaky” for my taste, but this pressure leak is not hindering proper separation of the booster section at all, so I am not going to cancel the launch over it.  All is go as I proceed to prep Comanche this evening for an “about Noon Time” launch.

Batteries are being charged, and propellant is being loaded.  Charges will be loaded tomorrow before launch.

((( )))

 

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Countdown has started for Comanche XR9C

Nov19
by cgould on November 19, 2013 at 3:32 AM
Posted In: XR9-C (Comanche) High Power Launch Vehicle

(Cyuahoga Falls, OH – Monday Nov. 18, 2013)

The countdown timer has started for the maiden launch of Comanche XR9C, though it is unlikely the launch will happen on the planned launch date ( Sat, November 23) as weather conditions are not looking favorable.  Saturday and Sunday’s forecasts call for winds of 17-18 MPH, too far into the “red zone” for a first time launch.

The completed ComancheXR9C rocket.

The completed ComancheXR9C rocket.

We (as in MTMA, and I) will watch the weather, and a final GO / NO GO launch call will be made Friday evening.

((( )))

 

 

 

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CG’s rocketry thoughts…The XR10 project

Nov12
by cgould on November 12, 2013 at 3:27 AM
Posted In: CG's Rocket Thoughts..., XR10 - (Zephyr) Project Zephyr

People have been asking me “So…what’s next? What is your next big rocket project?”

I’ve been noodling around with a tube fin based rocket. This will be my newest design project since project Perseus (XR4), whose roots go to XR3 (project Pegasus).

Up to now, all of my rocket designs have revolved around XR2 (Artemis) and XR4 (Perseus) rockets. The Comanche XR9C is an offshoot (a blending) of both Artemis and Perseus designs – combining the best of both into a unique design.

The new project carries the designation “XR10”, and will be called “Project Zephyr”.

The most notable feature of the new rocket will be the fact that it will make use of  “tube fins” in its design. Tube fin rockets use a series of hollow tubes around the base of the airframe instead of traditional fins.

I am interested in this design for two reasons.

  1. I think the design will be capable of stable flights across a wide range of weather (wind) conditions.
  2. Should make an excellent launch vehicle for a wide range of experimental payloads.

The first of the Zephyr designs will be a small scale boiler plate version of the rocket to be used in a series of flights with the purpose of logging all of its aerodynamic characteristics. The final flights of this model will be designed to push the limits of the rocket. This design will be designated XR10-1.

These test flights could begin by fall 2013 and last about 12-15 months.

The next will be a functional small scale version of the rocket with functioning computer systems with the capability of multi-staged flights.

There will be two rockets built for this portion of the project as these test flights will be quite extensive, and will last over a period of one and a half to two years. This length of time will be necessary to “tweak” the aerodynamic & mechanical design, as well as the flight computer software. These rockets will be designated XR10-2 and XR10-3. XR10-2 is set for a maiden flight in late 2014 / early 2015.

XR10-3 could follow a few months after XR10-2’s maiden flight.

As the test flights of these rockets comes to a close, construction will begin on a high power version of the rocket ( Zephyr V or XR10-HP) to launch by late 2016.  The final high power version will have the goal of routine launches reaching 1 mile or more in altitude.

In the meantime, between now and Apr 2014, there will be several High Power flights of Nesaru XR6, as well as the maiden flights of Comanche XR9C. In January, Vega will fly a series of flights over several months to test mechanical systems for use in XR10-2 and XR10-3 rockets.

Over the next few months or so, I will be laying out more information on this new rocket as the design comes together.

I am currently in the process of merging several disconnected rocketry projects into this particular one.

This will certainly be a busy little project for me!

((( )))

 

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Vega’s maiden and follow-up launch: Textbook!

Oct13
by cgould on October 13, 2013 at 9:10 PM
Posted In: XR4 (Perseus) Medium Power Booster project

(October 12, 2013 – Aurora, OH)

Perseus XR4-B rocket “Vega” had its maiden launch earlier today.  This launch (PLS-047), and follow-up launch (PLS-048) marks the 47th and 48th launch of the Perseus rocket fleet, and the first dual deployment design for the mid power X4 rocket family.

Vega

Vega awaiting its maiden launch

 

Both launches were ‘uneventful’ in the sense that nothing unexpected occurred.

Vega’s launches was also used to test parachute packing methods.   The maiden launch used a method with the idea of more reliable inflation right at deployment.  It worked flawlessly.  Flight #2 used the old technique I’ve been using, and the result was familiar…a late parachute deployment.  This is something I’ve been fighting on and off for at least a year and a half.

From now on, the new parachute packing method will be used for all launches.

Vega is also equipped with a new method of deploying the main parachute, a device made by Archetype Rocketry called the “Cable Cutter”.  The Archetype Cable Cutters worked like a charm.

The Cable Cutter works by binding the main parachute using a plastic cable tie.  When the altimeter in the rocket (Vega) senses that it is at the proper altitude to deploy the main parachute, voltage is applied to the igniter in the Cable Cutter.  This ignites a small amount of Triple-7 type “black powder” to drive the cutter, which severs the tie, freeing the parachute to deploy.

This system works so well, I am looking to use it in the next mid power dual deploy rocket, and to possibly use in a level 1 rocket.

Vega’s next launch could come as early as two weeks while some of the components are finished & design tweaks are performed.

At the end of the day, a VERY smooth roll-out of a new design to add to the Perseus rocket line!

((( )))

 

 

 

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