Explorer Post 1010
Lockheed Martin Exploring Program
Launch February 16, 2008
 
Once again we traveled to the National Pike Park for a launch. The weather was great - light winds and temperature over 40 degrees.  The only problem was the muddy field.  Only Team 3 made it to the launch site. The other teams were working on their rockets.

Objectives:

  • Learn how to build and fly the reloadable E18-4s.
  • Try altimeter D and E (new this year).
  • Reduce altimeter hole with tape and pin holes to reduce altimeter spikes.
  • See if the Black Rocket locking mechanism gets better straight flights.
  • Reduce overall weight to under 400g by reducing egg packing.

Scarlet Rocket
     Lessons
  • The E18 and E28 engines worked great.  We can add weight.
  • The altimeter holder worked great.
  • The E28-7 gave a significant spike, but the E18-4 had no spikes. We think the long delay created too great a direction change on the altimeter unit when ejected. We need to stay with the 4 second delays.
  • The smaller altimeter holes seemed to work OK, and may have reduced the spikes.
  • The 16 inch chutes came down a little too fast. We need to try the 18 inch X chutes.
  • All flights carried 2 eggs successfully, but we did crack one egg loading it.
  • The angle of the launch rod should be reset for every launch. We need to use the plumb-bob.


Black Knight Rocket

Launches

Rocket Weight Engine Chute Electronics Results Comments
Black Rocket
Launch 1
397g E18-4 16in Altimeter E
(data)
847ft, 40sec
score: 107
Straight flight
Black Rocket
Launch 2 (video)
397g E28-7 16in Altimeter D
(data)
851ft, 42sec
score: 107
Very straight flight, the E28 really took off.
Orange Rocket
Launch 1 (video)
420g E18-4 18in Altimeter 2
(data)
781ft, 63sec
score: 67
Straight flight, slight wobble in first 100 feet. The larger chute caught some updrafts.
Black Rocket
Launch 3 (video)
398g E18-4 16in Altimeter D
(data)
820ft, 40sec
score: 80
Slight weather cocking.  The wind changed direction 180degrees, and we didn't reset the angle of the launch rod.

Data


(Excel Spreadsheet)

Pictures

 

Copyright 2008 Lockheed Martin Exploring Program
Updated: March 5, 2008