[Not displaying correctly? View web version.] | Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #609: | The Draco Boost Glider (BG) model rocket kit is a one of those rockets that is destined to be a classic. The reason is that it has lots of moving parts, and does something more than pop out a parachute at apogee. Its wings slide out and are locked into place so it can glide majestically back to the ground. Your question might be, how do you develop a kit like this? Where does the idea come from, and how do you make it work? And when issues come up, how do you fix them? And can it be assembled by an average modeler? These are the types of questions that Martin Jay McKee answers in this issue. Also in this Issue: Tim's Messy Desk Blog I want to keep you informed of what is going on at Apogee, so I write an occasionally block called "Tim's Messy Desk." This one is an update on what we've been doing this summer, and what new projects we're working on for the rest of the year. You'll also get a glimpse into my personal life, and some of my activities that I have planned for the comming year. | 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! 3" Diameter Rocket Fin Alignment Guides | We have two new fin alignment jigs available. They both will fit over the 74mm (3-inch diameter) thin-wall body tubes. They are both made from laser-cut cardboard, and are perfect for getting your fins spaced evenly, and that they are perfectly straight along the tube. The big benefit is that they hold ALL the fins while the glue dries, so you save time during assembly. We have both a 3-fin and a 4-fin alignment guides. If you already have our other sets, you'll need these to add to your collection so you're ready to build any size rocket. |
Draco Boost Glider | The Draco BG is an innovative rocket boosted glider inspired by the formidable Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB). At the apogee of the trajectory, the glider jettisons the booster, and unfolds its wings for a majestic glide back to the ground. Its gentle glide will thrill both you and any spectators at the launch. This is a rocket that you'll be proud to show off, and reveal how it works because the 6-pivot points mechanism is so unique. It's big and flies on 24mm diameter D, E, and F motors. Get one today while we still have them in stock. They won't last long. |
Expanding Foam for Rocketry | This pourable urethane foam allows you to effortlessly fill cavities, reinforce structures, and securely encapsulate components within your rocket. Mix it up, and pour it into the cavity you wish to fill. After a few minutes, it expands up to fill any voids. Then it hardens into a lightweight rigid foam that can be cut, sanded or shaped as desired. Use it to lock through-the-wall fins in your rocket, or to fill parts that feel squishy. It is another indespensible tool for your rocketry workshop. Get some today! |
Long 3" Diameter Nose Cone | The new PNC-74A nose cone was created exclusively for Apogee because modelers wanted a lightweight and long alternative for 3" diameter thin-walled tubes. This is a 5-to-1 Length-to-Diameter ratio ogive shape, so it is nearly 15 inches long, plus a 3.26" long shoulder on the end. It is made from Hi-Impact polystyrene, so paint will permanently stick to it without flaking off after a hard landing. There is also a heavy duty loop on the back where you can easily attach wide nylon-strap shock cords. Plus there is a groove in the base where you can easily cut off the aft bulkhead to install electronics into the nose and still have the long shoulder. This is packed with a lot of features, so it will soon be your favorite nose cone for mid and high-power rockets. Be the first in your club to get it! |
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| QuickDraw rocket launch At our last club launch, we put up the QuickDraw rocket on a cluster of E12-8 motors. One motor didn't ignite, but it was a nice launch anyway. We even took a video of it here. For this simulation (click here), I chose to launch the rocket from the launch site of the Launch Crue in Holland, Indiana. What do you think? Can it get any better than this? |
Customer Testimonials: “My 13 year old son has been building rockets for 4H Aerospace since he was 9. This year he built his 5th rocket and, each time, he strives improve and make something a little more perfect. The Apogee tutorials on YouTube have been tremendously helpful as we both are learning this craft together! His latest goal is to improve his fins and so, after watching the video on making paper skins for fins, we decided to purchase some of the thin CA glue from Apogee and give it a try. I really appreciate that you can find everything they use right there on the website. It makes things so easy! I also appreciate the personal care and attention they give you. Thank you so much, Apogee!” -- Katy Ulrey | |
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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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