Aero Pack - Motor Retainer {Component}

Aero Pack Motor Retainer

Aero Pack - Motor Retainer {Component}

Contributed by Darrell Mobley

Manufacturer:

This review is provided courtesy of:

Aero Pack's Machined Aluminum Motor Retainers

ATLANTA, Georgia (ROL) -- Ever so often, a new product comes out that really creates some excitement. This product release from Aero Pack (email: aeropack@earthlink.net) is one of those. The idea is so simple that it screams KISS and yet is just complicated enough that the average rocketeer couldn't construct a similar unit without significant cost.

As you will notice in the pictures to the left, the unit itself -- a threaded machined aluminum collar -- is attached directly to the motor mount tube using that strong-as-steel substance, JB Weld. The new units also feature a larger 1-1/2 turn threads for quicker on-off motor changes.

Once installed, the system use can't get any simpler. You slide the motor into the tube, screw the threaded retainer collar on, and you are done.

In the photo to the right you can see an AeroTech 54mm RMS motor being inserted into the BSR Optimal 100 equipped with the Motor Retainer.

Designed to fit both LOC/Precision and PML motor tubes, the Motor Retainer is an easy retrofit on your existing rockets if you have a sufficient amount of motor tube extending beyond the rear centering ring for attachment of the inner collar.

In the photo to the left, it's easy to see the motor's aft closure slips completely inside the inner threaded collar. Single use motors would need a ring of 1/4" to 3/8" masking tape applied to act as a thrust ring.

The recommended single use procedure is to epoxy a section of coupler tubing in the forward end of the motor tube aligned with where the longest motor would fit and then use short, precut sections of coupler tubing to act as spacers for shorter motors. To install, you would need 1/4" to 1/2" of motor tube exposed depending on what size motor mount you have.

All that is left to do is thread on the outer retainer ring and it's ready to fly! Designed in 29mm, 38mm and 54mm sizes, this is one cool product. Machined from T6061-T6 aluminum and hard anodized satin black to military specs, this product should be a welcome addition to any flyer's construction kit.

If you want to order any of the three sizes of Motor Retainers or some of Aero Pack's fabulous new seamless P-type phenolic tubing. Their products are definitely a welcome addition to hobby rocketry.

Visit their website at: http://www.aeropack.net.

Other Reviews

Aero Pack Motor Retainer By Jack Caynon
Brief: RMS Motor Retainer Discussion: The 29mm motor retainer can now handle Aerotech's 29/40-120 motors, too. The retainer comes in 2 pieces packaged inside a plastic bag with simple instructions. One threaded retainer "ring" fits over the motor tube like a collar. Then a threaded cap that screws on the end of the ring. As with typical RMS stuff, the RMS aft closure still sits on the motor ...
Aero Pack Motor Retainer By Phillip Gerringer
The system is basically 2 pieces. One threaded retainer "ring" that fits over the motor tube like a collar. Then a threaded cap that screws on the ring. As with typical RMS stuff, the RMS aft closure still sits on the motor tube. Then the retainer ring surrounds both the tube and the aft closure. The retainer ring is epoxied with high heat JB Weld epoxy. Then the cap actually screws on to the ...

Comments:

L.A. (August 12, 2003)

I installed the 38mm motor retainer on my PML Phobos. When I attempted a dry test fit of the retainer, it did not come off! There's no way it's going to come off short of destruction of the MMT tube even though I didn't epoxy or JB Weld it on...but I'm not complaining! The Aero Pack retainer is a beautiful piece of equipment & worth the expense on any prized rocket.

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