KCAR Launch Report: November 30th, 2002 Mid-Power Sport Launch

Total impulse expended: 1,181.02 N-s, which is in the ‘J’ motor range. There were two clustered flights (#31 & #36), and no multistage flights. There were 12 rocketeers. We burned 42 motors in 40 flights.

Randall with the “Chris & Sue Rocket” Photo by Dan Kirk

After a very late start due to a variety of things, including getting a nice wide circle mowed for the range head, and some difficulties with some of the new equipment, we were finally able to get the first rocket launched at about 1:15PM. The wind and temperature were brisk but tolerable. There were a good number of non-flying spectators braving the weather just the same. A few fliers had level one rockets and motors, but no one was willing to test the wind (and the rocket gods) with them. Several ‘F’ and ‘G’ impulse motors were flown, however, with good success. For the most part we had some very good flights, no CATOs, and only one rocket lost. It was a small rocket and landed in some deep brush making it hard to find. The one rocket that landed in a tree was eventually recovered by the field owner who climbed the tree and chain-sawed off the limb. There were two or three very long walks.

We put our new launch rails to good use. Tim launched his Airspike from it twice, both flights were very good. Dan Kirk also used it to launch his new and beautifully finished Big Boy. He also launched a Big Daddy for a good flight.

The Jessee family made some of their standard spectacular launches. The “Chris & Sue Rocket” uses a cone in place of fins. The flights were both very impressive; the cone sucks the dense black smoke of the Econojet along with it. If the photos of the second launch come out we’ll get them posted in the photo pages. The Mirage was also flown with good success, as well as several other interesting flights.

Dan’s flying saucer Photo by Tim Burger

There were several other notable flights by Hayden and Matt K. as well as a nice launch of a rocket that looked suspiciously like an Estes Big Daddy by Danielle S.

George S. had some interesting rockets on hand, but was afraid to launch them in the wind. He did try out his brand new Commanche Three as a single stage. That rocket does pretty well on a B6 in single stage, we can only imagine what it must be like with three motors! George also launched a Cosmic Cobra that opens a set of blades on the aft end of the nose cone (the booster returns via parachute). The nose gets quite a lot of spin and very good hang time. Both main parts landed near the pads.

Dave Lucas, Dave Messerschmidt, and Justin Messerschmidt made some very nice flights. I’m not sure, but between the three of these fliers, I don’t think there is even one three fins and a nose cone rocket! The last couple of flights of the day were both something to see. The glider flight had a bit of a rough start with a loop near the ground but settled down to a really nice glide. The final flight of the day was the Warthog flown by the father/son Messerschmidt team, the rocket was attained a very impressive altitude, but required a nice long walk for recovery.

While Tim was off finding that last rocket, Bob and George broke down and loaded the equipment. Dave A. invited the few us who remained on site at the bitter end to come up to the house and warm up a little. We had a nice rocket talk around the fire putting a nice end to a good day of flying. The club would like to acknowledge and thank our very accommodating host and hostess for their hospitality.

If you have pictures taken during this launch please let us know so that they can be posted on the web site. If you can scan them and save them as GIFs or JPGs that would be great. If not, a few of the club members have scanners and can get the pictures into digital format. Send e-mail for details.

Please send e-mail if any corrections need to be made to this launch report.