EMRR's Model Rocket Review: Launch Pad (The)

20 Guests On

REV 2.4 - Wed Aug 18 09:45:35 2010

Launch Pad
Sparrow AIM-7F

25984 SW Rucks Dairy Rd
Okeechobee, Florida 34974

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SPECS:

46.75" x 2.6" -

ROCKSIM FILE:

Right Click to Download

SpaceCAD FILE:

MISSING - please submit here

REC'D MOTORS:

D12-3, E15-4, E30-7, F24-4

The following excerpt is from "Sport Rocketry". The intention is to allow guests to get a basic feeling about a kit. We strongly suggest that you get a copy of the referenced Sport Rocketry and read the entire article. Inside you will find many helpful hints in construction as well as other useful information. For more information, use the two links above.

(Sport Rocketry - May/Jun 1998 - page 29 - by Mark Sinicki)

[Picture] "The Launch Pad's version of the AIM-7F is just an inch and a quarter shy of four feet long!"
"Much is taken up by BT-80 type body tube . . . PNC-80BB style [nose cone] with a paper cone form added for the right profile."
"The recovery system features two 18" metallic mylar parachutes with snap swivels."
"A parachute shelf in the forward end of the body tube limits rearward travel of the parachutes and preserves the center of gravity."
"The maiden flight of the Sparrow was mode on a D12-3. . . The model rose straight, then went with the wind during coast phase, rolling slightly to port."
"Both parachutes blossomed following ejection at 80-100 feet height . . . no damage."
"If you like realistic scale missile models in the mid-power class, the Launch Pad's AIM-7F Sparrow will make a worthy project."

The entire article gives the impression is that this is a nice kit for an intermediate modeler.

* SPECIAL NOTE off of RMR from Chuck Barndt, President of The Launch Pad

GUEST's OPINION:
"" (x.x.)

SPECIFIC ROCKET TIP:
02/09 - "This is the first rocket I have built in 40 years so I kept it 99% stock. I used the thread and rubber band method to mark the fins. Take to pieces of long thread and form a cross hair over one end of the body tube and secure it with a rubber bad and line it up so there are 4 equal quarters. Stretch the 4 pieces of thread the entire length of the body tube and secure it with another rubber band. ensure the lines of thread are straight and trace over them with a broad tip black magic marker. Attach the fins onto these lines. Instead of trusting my parachute and rocket to the little piece of thread that is supplied in the kit, I used a 18 inch nylon coated steel fishing leader and hooked it to the nose cone. I also hooked the barrel swivel on the shock cord to the leader as well. This way I can unhook the parachute from the rocket and store in open instead of wadded up inside the rocket. Lastly I used a half inch launch lug to accommodate a larger launch rod." (M.A. )

SPECIFIC ROCKET TIP:
03/02 - "I purchased an LOC 2.56" Plastic Nose Cone instead of using the paper cone tip that TLP uses. Also, I upgraded the motor from 24mm to 29mm using 1/8" plywood for centering rings and made balsa spars to help frame out the tail cone which I made using PML's 2 part expanding foam. I used a finishing sander to shape it and it looks awesome!" (J.M. )

Date	Name	Motor	Ejection/ Altitude	Wind	Notes
02-07-2009	Mike Armstrong	Est SU D12-7	Very Late	Light winds	- First flight-Dismal:Launch lug too small and short Went up about 30-50 feet, went horizontal, came down nose first, but the parachute came out perfectly after it landed. No Damage.
03-14-2009	Mike Armstrong	Est SU D12-5	Late (2-3sec)	Light winds	- 2nd flight-Much better. New launch lug.Went up about 500-600 feet. One shroud line tangled up and rocket landed on it's side and broke a fin. Repaired on site. Will try AeroTech E30-7 for the next flight.
04-11-2009	Mike Armstrong	AT SU E30-7	Late (2-3sec)	Gusty	Event: NEFAR - Flew much better on a Aerotech SU E30. Nice straight take off. Wind blew it a little. Parachute tangled and broke a fin; fixed on sight. Will fly again.
04-27-2002	Jason Myers	AT RMS E28-4	Apogee - Perfect	5-10 mph winds	- Straight up flight. Only reached maybe 200 ft. Too little motor for the modifications I made to it. Will fly great on a larger motor. Hit a little hard and cracked a fillet. Fixed and is ready to fly again. Needs a 36 inch chute instead of a 30 inch.
04-27-2002	Jason Myers	AT RMS E28-4	Apogee - Perfect	0-5 mph winds	- Didn't get very high. Estimate 200-250'. Landed a little hard. Cracked 2 Fillets. Repairable. Will try again on an F-40 (sims out much better)