Model Rockets are an exciting and fascinating hobby for people of all ages. Some enjoy the construction and painting of the models, while others prefer to operate that end of the hobby - launching and recovery. Most hobbyists enjoy doing both.
The Rocket
All model rockets have the following parts: (1) One or more body tubes, the long round
tube that holds the engine and payload, (2) a nose cone to reduce air resistance, (3) fins
to provide stability in flight, (4) an engine to power it, (5) a launch lug,
(6) a
recovery system. The more complex rockets may have several body tubes connected by tube
couplers.
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| Rocket Engine | Igniters |
Engines and
Igniters
The heart of the rocket is the engine. It contains a propellant for lift-off and
acceleration, tracking smoke for the coasting phase, and an ejection charge to activate
the recovery system. This is explained in more detail under Rocket
Engine coding. The engine is activated through the use of an electrically
controlled igniter. This is an important safety device as it lets the operator be a
significant distance away from the rocket when the engine begins to burn.
Engines and
Igniters
The heart of the rocket is its engine. It contains a propellant for lift-off and
acceleration, tracking smoke for the coasting phase, and an ejection charge to activate
the recovery system. This is explained in more detail under Rocket
Engine Information. The engine is activated through the use of an electrically
controlled igniter. This is an important safety device as it lets the operator be a
significant distance away from the rocket when the engine begins to burn.
| The Launch Pad
The launch pad provides stability for lift off. It consists of a long launch rod to provide direction. (Shown at right is the Porta-Pad; it's launch rod is 32 inches long.) and a deflector plate. Both are mounted on a tripod support. The rocket is placed on the launch pad by slipping the launch rod into the launch lug mounted onto the rocket. |
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| The Launch
Controller The Launch Controller is a battery powered switch device. A 25 ft. wire runs from the controller to the igniter placed in the engines. Controllers have a continuity light that comes on to indicate that the circuit is complete and functional. A safety key to prevent the switch from being accidentally pushed is used. |
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| Operation
Flite The completed rocket is taken to the launch site. The Launch Pad is set up. The igniter is placed in the engine, and the rocket is placed on the Launch Pad. The operator moves a safe distance away from the rocket. He alerts all people around that a launch is about to take place. The controller's continuity light is checked to insure the circuit is OK, then removes the safety interlock key, and begins the count down. FIVE ... FOUR ... THREE ... TWO ... ONE ... "We have ignition and lift off." There are several phases to the rocket's flight. The first is the thrust phase. It is during this time that the impulse section of the engine burns. Once the engine is exhausted, the coasting phase begins. The engine is still active, but it is burning smoke, permitting you to follow the flight. The rocket is still climbing, using its momentum. Then, the Ejection charge ignites, which actives the recovery system. This is usually a parachute to permit the slow descent of the rocket, or it can be a streamer so that you can follow its path. Recover the rocket, install a new engine, then launch again. |
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