Flight Log - 2014-10-05 - Rick Barnes's Phoenix

Pretty standard build of an Estes Phoenix missile.  This rocket was built around 1991 and was my first 24mm motor rocket.  I'm not quite sure why, but its never had a "clean" flight. Combined damage from first and last flights have rendered the body tube scrap.  I have removed the nose cone, parachute and stripped the fins off of the old tube and will rebuild on a new BT80 from my box of tubes.  All I need is a new BT80 motor mount (maybe I'll go cluster!) and decals from Excelsior.  This rocket will fly again - like a Phoenix!

Flight Date: 2014-10-05
Rocket Name: Phoenix
Kit Name: Estes - Phoenix {Kit} (1380) [1982-1998]
Flyer's Name: Rick Barnes
Motors: D12-3
Launch Site: Historical Aircraft Group airport, Geneseo, NY

Rocket arced over and flew near horizontal during delay, recovered downrange a ways.  One rear fin popped off.  Subsequently found that body tube tore under another rear fin, when the fin hit ground it was pivoted through the body tube.  I think this is a design flaw to some extent - there's nothing underneath the rear fins to support them at landing.  The fins are large and touchdown force can put a lot of torque on them.  Between this tear and the previous damage to the front end of the body tube, I think this one is toast.

StageMotor(s)
1Estes D12-3

 

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