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Apogee Rocketry Workshop #369:

Building the Gliding Parachute - Part 1 of 9

Advanced Construction Video

The new Experimental Gliding Parachute could be a game-changer when it comes to mid and high power rocketry. Instead of the rocket drifting downwind on launch, the parachute can be steered into the wind, and can be brought right to your feet via RC control. You won't have to spend time retrieving your rocket, it will come back to you. We call this: "Come To Me" Recovery™ 

Because this parachute is radically different from a traditional chute, and requires a bit of set-up, we've made a series of videos that walk you through the assembly and preparation steps.

In this first video, you'll see how to test the servo, glue the bulkhead stops into the clear tube, put grommets into the sled holes, glue the bottom bulkhead to the sled, and finally drill out (if necessary) the holes in the servo arms.

View this week's Rocketry Workshop Videos (Duration 14 min, 16 sec)

If you would like to see the gliding parachute in action, start your journey here.

Previous videos are found on our archive page.

 

Gliding Parachute Banner

Fin Alignment offer

RockSim 10.5 Update

 

Newest Products From Apogee Components

Check out the latest products to hit Apogee's shelves!

NCR Blade Caddy

Gliding Parachute System

The North Coast Blade Caddy™ is a safer way to store your razor blades. With four convenient slots, your razor baldes will be secure and non-hazardous when you set them down to continue to the next step in your build. This handy holder is 3D printed in a variety of brightly colored ABS plastic fillament so you won't lose it on a cluttered work top. 

Gliding Parachute System

Gliding Parachute System

Gliding parachutes have the advantage that they can be steared. That means you can bring them back to yourself instead of having them just drift in the wind. Additionally, they are more efficient that a round parachute, so a smaller chute will give you a slower descent rate.

This is an experimental system that includes a nylon cloth Rogallo-shaped parachute and the controller ebay. It also comes with a servo, battery, and a charger for the battery. You will need to provide your own model-airplane style RC receiver and transmitter and have experience using them. 

Three sizes are available: 24", 28" and 32". More information is available here.

Wildman Hobbies Darkstar Jr

Darkstar Junior

From the point of its aluminum tipped nose cone to the back of the motor mount, the Wildman Hobbies Darkstar Jr oozes style.  And it does so without sacrificing performance.  Flying on 38mm motors (or 29mm with an adapter, not included) it is a rugged rocket that can be a utility craft to fly every launch or to go supersonic and well out of sight on special occasions.

Peregrine Jr Rocket Kit

Peregrine Jr. Rocket Kit

The Peregrine Jr. is a relatively simple to build yet gorgeous
1/2-scale model of the famous Peregrine high-power rocket. It utilizes curvaceous laser-cut basswood fins, a high-quality plastic nose cone and stunning vinyl decals. The end result is a great looking rocket that stands out on any launch field.

It is a mid-power kit because it utilizes a 24mm motor mount and can fly on a massive variety of mid-power motors. Fun to build, a blast to fly. Get one today! 

Wildman Hobbies Journey 75

Wilman 75 Rocket Kit

With its pointy aluminum tip, the Journey 75 is great for punching a hole in the sky. It is an all fiberglass rocket that is super durable and can take any punishment you want to give it. Uses 38mm motors, so it is a nice model to try after you've got your High Power certification.

 

Make Carbon Fiber Tubes

Make Carbon-Fiber Tubes

Here is an extensive and detailed video course on how to make Ultra-Lightweight Carbon-Fiber Rocket Tubes. They're so light, they give you an unfair advantage in competition. These are the ones that my daughters, Allison and Ashley used in Romania last September at the 2021 World SpaceModeling Championships. Allison was part of the senior Silver Medal winning USA team, and Ashley took home the Bronze Medal in the Jr. Division. The girls were taught how to make their own tubes, so if they can do it, so can you.

The training course consists of 5 hours and 42 minutes of video instruction, covering everything I know about how to make a successful tube with a glass-finish using a 2-piece mold. It even includes all the secret techniques and materials, and where to buy them, including where to get the 2-part mold.  

This course is on the Udemy website, not at Apogee Components.

 

RockSim Live Training - Every Friday

 

Launch of the Week

Sticks The Landing Again

This simulation is of the Star Lift Mega Lander kit from Apogee Components. It is being flown from the Austin Area Rocketry Group's site #1 in Texas (NAR #585, and TRA Prefecture #54).

It looks like a beautiful site, with wide open area to chase down rockets. Although this rocket soars on an Aerotech F25W-6 motor, it doesn't really drift very far. What do you think of the simulation? Could you make it any better?

 

Customer Comments

“I would Iike to thank Tim and all the staff at Apogee Components for sparking a new hope in my life. After being away from rocketry for 20+ years, it was very exciting and wonderful to see how much has changed for the better. I've renewed my membership with NAR and am looking forward to building the recently delivered Katana rocket and achieving my L2 certification. The inventory descriptions are superior to any other website and the fast response to emails are encouraging in a time when customer service has declined overall. Thank you for having the business vision that elevates my personal hopes and visions. Your mission has succeeded.

--  Jimmy Neuman

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