The Helix: A Scratch Build / Scratch Design Rocket. Dual 29mm Tractor Motors, Single C/L Mounted Launch Lug, Helical Fins and Rear Eject.
First Launch: Pending
Saturday, July 22, 2023
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
(BAR-17) SPAD XIII "Ace"
Launch Report: SPAD XIII Ace
Date: 2025-05-08
Background
This is a single stage scratch
design / built rocket. It is similar in shape to an Estes Der Red Max,
but is made to look like Eddie Rickenbackers SPAD XIII.
The rocket has a Payload Bay which feature an Altimeter Storage Bay.
This flight included an Altimeter Two.
This is a rear eject rocket that utilizes a spool.
The rocket has a Payload Bay which feature an Altimeter Storage Bay.
This flight included an Altimeter Two.
This is a rear eject rocket that utilizes a spool.
On Site Preparations
For a parachute I used a 24” Nylon chute.
An igniter was installed in the motor and secured via a rubber band.
The rocket was slid onto the 5/16" launch rod and the controller wires were attached to the igniter leads.
The site was clear and no outside observers were present.
An igniter was installed in the motor and secured via a rubber band.
The rocket was slid onto the 5/16" launch rod and the controller wires were attached to the igniter leads.
The site was clear and no outside observers were present.
Launch
Wind was out of the West / Southwest and was about 4 mph.
The Aerotech G74-4 motor ignited and the rocket leaped off the pad.
It flew stable upward to apogee (696 ft), the parachute deployed and the rocket slowly came back to Earth.
During the coast phase you could hear the rocket slicing through the air.
The rocket landed 295 feet from the launch pad, to the West.
The Aerotech G74-4 motor ignited and the rocket leaped off the pad.
It flew stable upward to apogee (696 ft), the parachute deployed and the rocket slowly came back to Earth.
During the coast phase you could hear the rocket slicing through the air.
The rocket landed 295 feet from the launch pad, to the West.
Altimeter Data
Altitude: 696 Feet, Top Speed: 181 mph, Thrust Time: 1.18 Sec., Peak Accel: 8.2 G’s
Average Accel: 7.0 Sec., Coast to Apogee: 5.7 Sec., Apogee to Ejection: 0 Sec.
Ejection Altitude: 696 Feet, Decent Rate: 18 mph, Flight Duration: 32.8 Sec.
Average Accel: 7.0 Sec., Coast to Apogee: 5.7 Sec., Apogee to Ejection: 0 Sec.
Ejection Altitude: 696 Feet, Decent Rate: 18 mph, Flight Duration: 32.8 Sec.
Condition of rocket after the flight
No damage to the SPAD XIII Ace.
Conclusions
The rocket was stable.
The delay was spot on.
The delay was spot on.
What I learned
This was a spectacular flight.
The photos and launch video reflected this flight accurately.
The sound of the rocket coasting was truly amazing. Not sure if it's the 1/4" plywood fins or the (3) 1/4" holes for the altimeter... but it was 5.7 seconds of coolness.
The photos and launch video reflected this flight accurately.
The sound of the rocket coasting was truly amazing. Not sure if it's the 1/4" plywood fins or the (3) 1/4" holes for the altimeter... but it was 5.7 seconds of coolness.
Built to defend the Republic from the dreaded Der Red Max. 29mm Power, Rear Eject Spool, Payload Bay, Altimeter Stows In Nose Cone.
First Flight: Pending
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