Finally got good conditions to take a run at the club D altitude record using the venerable DB Cooper which snagged the B and C record a couple of years ago. With an Altimeter Two, recorded 3522' and 840 mph. Boost out of the tower was a little westward, but otherwise clean and straight. Kept visual the entire time.
But not sure where I stand with this record attempt as the paper tube split along about 1" of the seam in the middle of the lower tube due to the ejection charge. Wasn't in flyable condition without some masking tape.
I'm surprised a blunt nose rocket with a minimal fin sweep made Mach 1.12!
Chad
Congrats Chad. I'd have to go dig out the old altitude record rules, but as I recall the bird must be in flyable shape on recovery... however, we may have dropped that rule - I remember a discussion on this with John Wilke but can't recall what we decided. I believe that TRA rules state it must be in flyable condition just like a cert flight.
Chad, that is the biggest mistake people make, the nose cone. It depends on the "maximum" speed of the rocket: < mach, Ogive-Blunt, doesn't matter, although it does if you get creative in between, mach = cone. It is just basic physics. I remember breaking Mach 1 way back in the late 60's, with an FSI Mach 1 Dart. I still have one, yet to fly, with the booster fins right on the F motor! It is just basic physics. Warren is right, can you fly it without any repair?
Congrats Chad. I'd have to go dig out the old altitude record rules, but as I recall the bird must be in flyable shape on recovery... however, we may have dropped that rule - I remember a discussion on this with John Wilke but can't recall what we decided. I believe that TRA rules state it must be in flyable condition just like a cert flight.
He said flyable with masking tape! 8)
Sounds just like a Pit Stop to me! 😛