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.
| Stage | Motor(s) |
|---|---|
| 1 | Estes D12-3 |
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