[Not displaying correctly? View web version.] | Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #551: | This issue's article is actually a plan. It comes from Perry Olson, and it is inspired by the Mk 82 "Snake Eye" bomb from the Vietnam era. This version isn't a scale model because it has a different fin shape. Compared to the actual bomb, it loses the boat tail and has a different nose cone shape. But functionally it performs the same and is a quite interesting rocket to fly and watch recover. It’s definitely a more difficult build not only because of its complicated tail section but because of the sliding piston assembly inside the rocket that helps retain the petal sections for the thrust and coast phases yet allows them to be released upon ejection. The rocket requires many 3D printed parts, so in order to build it, you'll have to have use the files provided in the plan. It was such a cool rocket, that we actually built and flew on ourselves this past weekend. It was awesome, and will generate a lot of conversations when you bring it out at your next launch. What is cool is that it uses what I call in my book: Model Rocket Design and Construction as drag-brake recovery. Not too many models of this type of unique recovery system are available, so you'll definitely want to show this one off. | 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! Klima ME-163 Rocket Plane | The legendary Me-163 rocket plane comes to life as a real model rocket that you can control. From Klima and imported from Germany, this rocket is fast, it's maneuverable, and it is a lot of fun. This is a radio-controlled rocket that you control going up and as it glides down to the ground. It is Skill Level 5 for the challenges it has in construction and in flying. RC radios, servos, and transmitters are NOT included. We recommend it only for the experienced RC-rocket pilot that is looking for something fast and challenging. |
Estes Antar | The original Antar rocket was created in 1951 by G. Harry Stine, the founder of the National Association of Rocketry. This is a faithful reproduction of that display model, and is actually intended to fly. Based on a BT-60 size tube (1.637 inches diameter), the Antar is a great model if you'd like something a little different looking and that is somewhat bigger. But it still flies nicely on 18mm diameter rocket motors. |
F52-Classic Motors | The Aerotech F52C uses the new "Classic" propellant. It is designed to be a "Blast From the Past" as it mimics the look, sound and performance of the original Enerjet Propellant. If you were around in rocketry in the early 1970s, you'll recognize the Enerjet name as the first company to make composite propellant motors. It is nostalgic, but with a modern, high-efficiency twist. The propellant has a translucent exhaust plume studded with supersonic shock diamonds and no smoke. This makes your rocket appear to leap off the launch pad. Available in 5, 8 and 12 second delays. |
Q-Jet D22W & E26W Motors | Aerotech/Quest have released two new 24mm diameter Q-Jet rocket motors. They are single-use composite propellant motors using the White Lightning propellant formulation. They belch out a big white flame and have higher thrust levels at lift-off. They feature a ceramic nozzle and the Quest First Fire Micro starters. You can use them wherever you might use the Estes D12 or E12 motors. Check out the D22 and the E26 motors here. |
Estes Astrocam | The Astrocam® is now available! This is a small 24mm diameter rocket includes a small but full HD video capable camera. The camera is only 8.1 grams, so it barely affects the performance of your rockets. The rocket itself doesn't require any glue to assemble. You'll have this Skill Level 1 model put together in less than 20 minutes. So many features are packed into this rocket, that you need to check it out! |
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| "Best online model rocketry shop I have ever experienced, thanks for your professionalism, and caring for your customers. A real pleasure doing business with you." -- Roberto Ferri | |
We're looking for someone to write a definitive guide to selecting igniters, controllers and batteries for rockets. We'd love to have a newsletter article on that topic, because we get lots of inquiries about it. Is that you? Do you know how many e-matches can be set off in a cluster by a 3.7v 400 mAh battery? See our Newsletter Guidelines on how to submit an article on this topic and get paid up to $350 for your time. | |
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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. | |
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