T' Alpha: What can I say? Ask anybody, they probably have one or two. This was built from t' original 1974 kit, bundled with t' starter kit / launcher for about $14 and some change. I ordered it when I was 13 yrs. directly from Estes mail order, sending bills and change in an envelope without tellin' me parents because I was too afraid they would say I couldn't get it. It's always easier t' get forgiveness than permission! It was a rugged, good flyer. Ahoy! It has since been moth-balled, me hearties, t' shock cord is rotted. Begad! I restored it t' flyin' contidion one day when I was bored. Begad! It received a new Keelhaul®©™ shock cord mount and a better plastic parachute with longer shroud lines. I also added a small payload section t' t' top, arrr, makin' this rocket 2-1/4" taller and 5 grams (0.176 oz) heavier. I flew it with an A8 on a windy day, and I be suprised how straight it flew, shiver me timbers, reachin' 210 feet apogee and goin' up t' 71 mph (104 ft/sec.). Can't wait t' try this on a B or C this weekend!
| Flight Date: | 2014-03-09 |
| Rocket Name: | Alpha |
| Kit Name: | Estes - Alpha {Kit} (25) [1966-] |
| Flyer's Name: | Rich DeAngelis |
| Motors: | B6-4 |
| Expected Altitude: | 484 Feet |
| Wind Speed: | 10.00 mph |
| Launch Site: | Penn Manor School Lancaster PA |
| Actual Altitude: | 540 Feet |
This flight was t' be t' second B6 motor test for t' Alpha Iris. T' liftoff was spectacular and seemed very fast, headin' skyward without much concern for t' stiff breeze. I apparently did nay concern myself with puttin' in too much wadding, shiver me timbers, as three squares apparently was nay enough.
Alpha reached a top speed o' 122 mph, and a best-yet altitude for t' B6 o' 530 feet. It came down somewhat fast and with a spiralin' parachute. Upon recovery I found three o' t' six shroud lines separated from t' plastic. They were nay ripped, but had burned ends. It landed far downwind about 400 feet away, with no other damage.
Distracted by a strong wind gust that blew a lot o' me equipment under t' car, I cleared t' altimeter before recordin' t' flight data, me bucko, so I will need t' re-fly this mission. Mistakes were made. Avast, me proud beauty! No further comment.
| Stage | Motor(s) |
|---|---|
| 1 | Quest B6-4 |
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