Phaser... A Scratch Build
Here's one that pushes aerodynamics... perhaps a bit to far. Inspired by artwork from Lucas Green, a 29mm powered rocket.
2026-04-12 Gluing the Wooden Buck
It all starts with a couple of 2 x 4's and some glue.
2026-04-15 CAD Drawings Rev 01
CAD Models
Revised Open Rocket Simulations
2026-04-24 Back onto this project.
I'll be using the Nose Cone I made for Payloader - HVY, I've decided not to build that bird... to similar to my Destroyer a August 2025 Build.
I revised the simulation to reflect the As-Built Nose Cone Assembly.
2026-04-25 Side Plates: Layout and Gluing
Printed out the side plate and cut the
Basswood, glued the wood and then clamped it to keep it flat. I'll cut
the actual shape from these.
2026-04-26 Drawing Set Rev 02
Modifications to Nose Cone - Cutting the Side Plates - Gluing the Side Plates to the Nose Cone
2026-04-27 Side Plates, Reinforcing Plates and Motor Mount
I added a couple 2" wide pieces of
Basswood at the Motor Mount. This Reinforcement Plate has it's wood
grain at 90 degrees from the Side Plate.
The BT-52HMF Motor Mount was glued to the Nose Cone.
Then once the above was dry I used some Titebong Quick and Thick to glue the Motor Mount to the Side Plates.
2024-04-28 Side Plates Front Cover
2024-0430 Front Cover to Side Plates
2026-05-01 Glue Fillets and Upper Half BT/C-60
Re-ran the simulation in the as-built configuration. Stability keeps
improving as I make subtle "tweaks" to the airframe and component
locations.
I've decided to add internal fins to the tube fins, just one each half.
I'll cant the upper fins 10 degrees. This should induce roll, which
should help the rockets trajectory.
2026-05-02 Preliminary Swing Test 
I did a swing test of the rocket without the Tube Fins and it flew nose / top first consistently, but wobbled between the two.
Should be interesting to compare this test to the final as-built flight ready swing test.
Video: Preliminary Stability Swing Test of "Phaser" Flying Model Rocket
Should be interesting to compare this test to the final as-built flight ready swing test.
Video: Preliminary Stability Swing Test of "Phaser" Flying Model Rocket
Launch Lug
Used a 3/8" Forstner bit to drill a hole through the 1/8" Basswood, then cut the BT-3 and a Lug Support from 1/8" Basswood.
2026-05-03 Revised Simulation
Added some 1/16" Basswood Reinforcement Plates to the Sides of the Fuselage.
2026-05-04 Internal Fuselage Supports
Altimeter Bay
Used a 3" long piece of BT-52HMF. This
is the stowage for the Altimeter Two, and also doubles as a receptacle
for the rocket stand.
2026-05-05 Tube Fins & Swing Test
Cut and Installed the Tube Fins.
Took it out for a Swing Test. The Tube Fins made the swing test much
more vertical. We'll see if the Trapezoidal Fins make it even better.
Trapezoidal Fins
3rd Swing Test
Looks like this one's good for it's maiden flight.
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