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(by Lance Alligood - 03/26/05)
NOTE: This is not meant to be a
comprehensive list but simply a list of commonly available motor reloads that meet the NAR, Tripoli, and CAR
requirements for a motor that requires a Level 1 certification to use and/or could be used for a Level 1 certification
attempt.
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AeroTech
H128W-M |
AeroTech
H180W-M |
AeroTech
H123W-M |
Cesaroni/Pro38
244H153-13A |
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MSRP (as of 03/26/2005) |
$13.50 |
$19.95 |
$19.95 |
$30.75 |
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Motor diameter |
29mm |
29mm |
38mm |
38mm |
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Reload casing needed for use |
AT or DR 1
29/180 |
AT or DR 1
29/240 |
AT or DR 1
38/240 |
Pro38 2-grain |
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Approx. hardware cost |
$90 2 |
$90 2 |
$161 3 |
$32 |
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Total Impulse (Ns) |
175 |
230 |
230 |
244 |
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Max Thrust (Ns) |
202 |
253 |
157 |
188 |
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Burn time (sec) |
1.2 |
1.2 |
2.2 |
1.75 |
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Max Liftoff weight (lb) 4 |
5.75 |
8.09 |
5.53 |
6.88 |
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Delay times |
S, M, L 5 |
S, M, L 5 |
S, M, L 5 |
4, 6, 8, 10, 13 |
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Other reloads compatible with same hardware |
H238T, H165R, & G75J |
H220T, H210R, & H97J |
H242T, H148R, & H73J |
247H143SS-13A |
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Overall Rating |
4 ½ |
4 ½ |
4 ½ |
5 |
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Comparison PROs |
- Least expensive reload.
- Includes FirstFire ignitor.
- Gives the flyer a better idea of how rocket motors work & are
built.
- Compatible with either AeroTech or Dr Rocket hardware.
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- Highest average & max thrust.
- Gives the flyer a better idea of how rocket motors work & are
built.
- Compatible with either AeroTech or Dr Rocket hardware.
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- Longest burn time.
- Gives the flyer a better idea of how rocket motors work & are
built.
- Compatible with either AeroTech or Dr Rocket hardware.
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- Easiest and fastest motor to prep.
- Delay is user adjustable with ProDAT tool.
- Highest total impOLse.
- Easiest to clean up.
- Includes electric match ignitor.
- Cheapest hardware.
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Comparison CONs |
- Expensive hardware.
- Lowest total impulse.
- Only 3 delays available.
- Optional -S & -L delays require purchase of RMS-Plus RDK
kit.
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- Expensive hardware.
- Only 3 delays available.
- Optional -S & -L delays require purchase of RMS-Plus RDK
kit.
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- Most expensive hardware.
- Lowest average thrust.
- Only 3 delays available.
- Optional -S & -L delays require purchase of RMS-Plus RDK
kit.
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- Most expensive reload.
- Limited propellant types (2) available for casing.
- 38mm is the smallest diameter Cesaroni product available.
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1 -- Price is
for AT or Dr Rocket 29/180-240 RMS system which includes 180 & 240 casings, forward & aft closures, & seal
disk.
2 -- Price is for AT or Dr Rocket 38/240-480 RMS system which includes 240, 360, &
480 casings, forward & aft closures, & seal disk.
3 -- Max thrust & burn time courtesy of thrustcurve.org website.
4 -- Max thrust & burn time courtesy of
Pro38 website.
5 -- Max liftoff weight is based on a 5:1 liftoff weight ratio.
 GUEST's OPINION:
12/05 - "As the previous opinion noted, this comparison does not tell the whole story and not with an even
hand. The reload costs should be looked at over 10 or more reloads. In addition, a few items are missing like a sensory
comparison of the motors, e.g. flame, sound, smoke. I think Aerotech owns the flame and smoke even comparing with the
smallest AT motor. Sound is a push. To me, the sensory portion of the motor performance is what I look at first and
foremost." (J.M.)
GUEST's OPINION:
04/05 - "IMO the hardware price comparison, even though there is a note in this regards, really skews the
trade-off between AT and CTI. The author should have used the single motor prices, or shown the entire range of motor
options for the indicated cost. Also, the DAT tool doesn't seem to be included in the CTI cost." (D.S.)
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