Flight Log - 2014-05-24 - Rich DeAngelis's Stonebreaker

The Stonebreaker is a medium-sized, medium powered sport rocket.  The design concept is that this rocket is to be used to carry nuclear warheads into space to target large asteroids that are endangering the earth.

My particular rocket has been modified to use a smaller, 19" Nylon parachute. The stock 32" parachute supplied in the kit is much too large.  I also added a small altimeter compartment in the base of the hollow plastic nose cone. The other difference is the addition of a spring clip for the motor (not supplied) and I painted it bright silver instead of the suggested white.

Flight Date: 2014-05-24
Rocket Name: Stonebreaker
Kit Name: DynaStar - Stonebreaker {Kit} (05028) [?-]
Flyer's Name: Rich DeAngelis
Motors: D12-5
Expected Altitude: 484.00 Feet
Wind Speed: 7.00 mph
Launch Site: Fort Indiantown Gap, PA
Actual Altitude: 469.00 Feet

I considered using a C11 motor for a low-power test, but I was looking for fun, and the D12 delivers fun.

The Stone burst off the pad with 9.1 Gs of acceleration, burning for 1.8 seconds and averaging 2.6 Gs thru the thrust phase. It then coasted for 4.2 seconds from a top speed of 101 mph and finally topped-out at 469 feet above ground.  It then turned over and started its descent for 3/10 seconds before ejection.  The altimeter didn’t sense the ejection so I can’t say exactly what the altitude was, but it was close to apogee.

The large 21” parachute opened up but not fully since it was burned and melted shut a bit because the Nomex protection was too small to cover the entire parachute.  Rather than blame it on the Nomex I could say I didn’t fold the parachute tightly enough. It descended with a distinct wobble and spinning of the chute at 11 mph.

 

The flight time was 33.7 seconds, and landed in the grass about 350 feet away. Overall it was a good flight except for the burned Nylon chute.  The bright silver finish and large diameter of this rocket always makes it a joy to watch.

StageMotor(s)
1Estes D12-5

 

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