Custom modded Estes Outlander. Original was said to be underpowered and have unstable/unpredictable flight. Since I thought it was an awesomely cool "definitely not 3FNC" design, I went about fixing the said deficiencies. First I started with a 24mm Motor mount so that I can fly this heavyweight on D12s. Next I noticed that the "fins" (lander legs) were designed so that they can actually flop around! Can you imagine a rocket with 4 floppy fins? I fixed that with added "bushing" spacers using balsa shims and I also notched the end stop a bit so that the fins stay in place on lift off. Seems to have worked well since first flight was a very good one. I also added 1oz of clay to the nose since I was flying on Ds.
Flight Date: | 2015-06-07 |
Rocket Name: | Estes Outlander (Modded fins & 24mm MMT) |
Kit Name: | Estes - Outlander {Kit} (2110) [2003-2008] |
Flyer's Name: | Ken E. Coyote |
Motors: | D12-3 |
Expected Altitude: | 450 Feet |
Wind Speed: | 3.00 mph |
Launch Site: | Pine Island NY (Metra Rocket Club) |
Actual Altitude: | 400 Feet |
Outlander rose up nicely and arched over just a bit and had a good event at apogee. This time I tried a nomex chute protector since there was so little room to pack chute and barf; however protector was too small and half of the chute lines burned resulting in drag chute recovery. Recovered with minimal damage.
Stage | Motor(s) |
---|---|
1 | Estes D12-3 |