| | Not displaying correctly? View web version. | Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #654: | | The RockSim-Pro Feature You Are Not Using Most rocketeers strive for a perfectly straight boost. But what if you could safely engineer flight paths that are far more complex and creative? Deep within RockSim-Pro lies a powerful, yet seldom-used, feature that transforms the software from a simple simulator into an advanced experimental sandbox: offset motor thrust. This is not a tool for diagnosing wobbly flights. It is a feature for intentional, sophisticated design. Our new in-depth guide demystifies the Axis Error 1 and Axis Error 2 parameters, showing you how to move beyond guesswork and start innovating. In this article, you will learn how to: Simulate Cluster Motor Failures: Understand how to build rockets that remain stable even if a motor fails to ignite. Perfect Boost-Glider Ascents: Use downward motor cant to counteract wing-induced pitch and achieve optimal altitude. Engineer Artistic Flights: Deliberately create controlled, corkscrew trajectories by combining canted motors and fins. Save Time and Money: Test dozens of radical "what-if" scenarios in the simulator before committing expensive hardware to the launch pad. Stop wondering and start designing. This guide provides the technical knowledge to unlock the full potential of RockSim-Pro and become a more creative and confident builder. Also in this issue: FREE Plan - Killer Bee - The Rocket That Stings the Sky! Ready to make your mark at the launch field? From the mind of Robert George, the Killer Bee combines eye-catching aesthetics with serious performance. Its bold yellow and black design ensures you'll never lose sight of your rocket, while the streamlined profile cuts through the air for impressive altitudes. â Easy to Build Shape - Beginner Friendly rocket with large parts
â High-Visibility Design - Track every second of your flight
â Field-Tested Performance - Proven reliability launch after launch
â Stand Out from the Crowd - Be the rocketeer everyone remembers Whether you're a weekend warrior or a serious competitor, the Killer Bee delivers the sweet spot of style and substance. Don't just reach for the sky - dominate it! The Killer Bee: Because ordinary rockets are for ordinary rocketeers. | | Read the rest of this week's article, either on a downloadable PDF for printing out, or on our website (great for viewing on your phone)! Previous issues of our newsletter are found at our archive page. |
| Check out the latest products to hit Apogee's shelves! | Estes 2-Stage Vogel | | The Estes Vogel stands as the tallest direct-staged rocket in its class at 64.5 inches, and its packed with innovations that set it apart from other kits. Its unique gap staging system uses small vents to enable reliable upper-stage ignition, while the booster features something rarely seen in model rocketry â a dedicated parachute compartment with side-eject hatch that protects your recovery gear from ejection charge heat. Fly it as a jaw-dropping dual-stage beast when using Estes 29mm diameter E and F engines, or unlock radical solo altitudes with composite motors in the sustainer. When Vogel climbs, it doesn't just reach 2,000 feet â it becomes your signature launch. More details here. |
| Missile Meter Altimeter | | SOLD OUT! - More are on order...
The Apogee Missile Meter Altimeter slips effortlessly into your payload bay (even the tiny ones), delivering precise peak-altitude measurements in both meters and feet. Weighing just 2 grams, it wonât burden your designâyet it transforms every launch into a data-rich experience. Perfect for beginners and veterans alike, no complex setupsâjust plug, launch, and review your rocketâs peak altitudes.Comes with two rechargable Li-Po batteries, USB charger, and a plastic storage case, itâs ready out-of-the-box. And it is the cheapest altimeter we sell. Check it out now! |
| Mako Rocket Kit | | Engineered for thrill-seekers and builders alike, the Mako rockets into the spotlight with its shark-inspired design and mid-power prowess. This 42-inch beast features laser-cut Baltic birch fins for unshakable stability, a 29mm motor mount (compatible with E-G engines), and a rugged Kevlar recovery systemâall wrapped in a modular airframe built for customization. Upgrade to 38mm motors, add dual-deployment electronics, or experiment with cluster configurationsâthe Makoâs hackable design invites modifications as bold as your ambitions. Whether youâre chasing 2,800-foot launches, family workshop moments, or proving grounds for your engineering creativity, the Mako delivers jaw-dropping performance with predator-like precision. More information here! |
| |
| | Launch of the Week! Because this week's newsletter is about offset thrust, I thought I'd show you an example of what you might do with RS-Pro or the Launch Visualizer. The Launch of the Week is a corkscrew flying rocket that has an off-set engine mount tube, and canted fins. You can see it spinning while it gyrates into the sky. This is on rocket you have to see the 3D launch visualization to appreciate how complext this rocket simulation is. We're launching from the site of the Fairfax rocket societry in Iowa on a D12-5 motor. | |
| Customer Testimonial âWhile I can't recall how I first stumbled upon Apogee Rockets, I do remember being immediately impressed by all the products, services, and information they offer. I watch many of Tim's videos even if I don't ever plan on doing anything related in that specific video, I'm just so curious and like seeing how things work or are put together. The articles and videos are useful on solving and figuring out so many things. The kits and jigs are enough to make a home based factory. The little surprise gifts I receive from Apogee are always a welcomed pleasure. Finally Apogee has been so kind to me, giving out a certificate or extra surprise services to resending an whole order that was lost in mail, even thou it wasn't any of their wrongdoing. Besides my local hobby shop, Apogee will definitely be my main supplier for my model rocketry needs. Thank You!â -- Brian Huskey | |
|
| I'm now actively seeking writers for articles to appear in this newsletter. And I want unique and cutting-edge articles because that is what you want to read, right? I realize this, so to get articles from outside writers that have the same level of quality, I'm going to have to pay a lot of cash to make it worth it for them. So I've come up with a compensation package where I'll pay up to $350 for good how-to articles. Are you a writer, and does that interest you? That is a lot of cash! Far more than you'll get by writing for other magazines. And with over 23,000 worldwide subscribers, if you write for the Peak-of-Flight Newsletter, you'll gain a lot of notoriety. Writing for the Peak-of-Flight Newsletter is a great way to show off your rocketry projects and your technical expertise, at the same time as helping out other rocketeers. Imagine how great you'll feel knowing that you made a difference to the hobby. If you're interested in writing, see the guidelines on our site. | |
|
|
