Flight Log - 2014-05-24 - Rich DeAngelis's Stonebreaker

T' Stonebreaker is a medium-sized, medium powered sport rocket.  T' design concept is that this rocket is t' be used t' carry nuclear warheads into space t' target large asteroids that are endangerin' t' earth.

My particular rocket has been modified t' use a smaller, 19" Nylon parachute. Begad! T' stock 32" parachute supplied in t' kit is much too large.  I also added a small altimeter compartment in t' base o' t' hollow plastic nose cone. Ahoy! T' other difference be t' addition o' a sprin' clip for t' motor (not supplied) and I painted it bright silver instead o' t' suggested white.

Flight Date: 2014-05-24
Rocket Name: Stonebreaker
Kit Name: DynaStar - Stonebreaker {Kit} (05028) [?-]
Flyer's Name: Rich DeAngelis
Motors: D12-5
Expected Altitude: 484 Feet
Wind Speed: 7.00 mph
Launch Site: Fort Indiantown Gap, PA
Actual Altitude: 469 Feet

I considered usin' a C11 motor for a low-power test, me hearties, but I was lookin' for fun, and t' D12 delivers fun. Blimey!

T' Stone burst off t' pad with 9.1 Gs o' acceleration, burnin' for 1.8 seconds and averagin' 2.6 Gs thru t' thrust phase. It then coasted for 4.2 seconds from a top speed o' 101 mph and finally topped-out at 469 feet above ground.  It then turned over and started its descent for 3/10 seconds before ejection.  T' altimeter didn’t sense t' ejection so I can’t say exactly what t' altitude was, but it was close t' apogee.

T' large 21” parachute opened up but nay fully since it was burned and melted shut a bit because t' Nomex protection was too small t' cover t' entire parachute.  Rather than blame it on t' Nomex I could say I didn’t fold t' parachute tightly enough. Avast, me proud beauty! It descended with a distinct wobble and spinnin' o' t' chute at 11 mph.

 

T' flight time was 33.7 seconds, me bucko, and landed in t' grass about 350 feet away. Overall it was a good flight except for t' burned Nylon chute.  T' bright silver finish and large diameter o' this rocket always makes it a joy t' watch.

StageMotor(s)
1Estes D12-5

 

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