Explorer Post 1010
Lockheed Martin Exploring Program
Motors
 

We are planning to use 24mm motors in the E and F class.  We will use Estes E9-6 and E9-4 to test recovery at the 500 ft level.  To get to the 800ft level we will use AeroTech re-loadable and single use motors.  We might use the shorter delays to give our streamers the most time to deploy and act to delay descent.  If the rocket is over 400g (including motor) we will need an F motor.

Possible Motors
 
Motor Type Loaded
Weight
Total
Impulse *
Burn
Time *
Rocket Weight
  for 825ft
Cost Comment
E18-4/7W Reload 57 36.5 2.1 300-380g $6 Only for light weight rockets
E20-4/7W Single Use 49 35.0 1.6 300-380g $8 Only for light weight rockets
E28-4/7T Reload 55 39.7 1.2 320-400g $6  
E30-4/7T Single Use 47 39.5 1.2 320-400g $7 Best buy
F24-4/7W Reload 62 47.3 2.1 400-460g $7 May need to add weight
F39-9(6)T Reload 59 49.7 1.3 420-480g $7 May have too long of a delay
F32-4/6T Single Use 64 56.9 1.7 460-520g $9 Most expensive

* According to ThrustCurve.org

Here are the thrust charts from AeroTech.

    

Assembling an AeroTech reloadable is something we need to learn.  You need to follow the instructions closely. Making one error in the assembly will destroy your rocket.  One place where we differ is at the end.  We don't use the red cap to hold the igniter.  We use either a rubber band or masking tape.

Here is a YouTube demonstration of assembling a G motor.

 

Copyright 2010 Lockheed Martin Exploring Program
Updated: January 7, 2010