| | [ Not displaying correctly? View web version. ] | Apogee Rocketry Workshop #381: | |
Putting paper skins on balsa fins is an effective way of increasing their strength, and making the surfaces smooth and ready to paint without going through the process of filling the surface. The other benefit is that it doesn't add a lot of weight. In this week's how-to video, you'll see a alternate method of applying paper skins to balsa fins. For comparison, over 14 years ago in the 16th episode of our Advanced Construction Video series, I showed how to use wood glue to put on skins. In this new video, I use water-thin superglue to apply the skins. While this requires a different technique, the advantage is that it doesn't contain water, so the balsa wood doesn't warp. And it also can be used to fix flaws in the fins. In my case, I sanded the trailing edge of the airfoil too thin, and actually deformed the fin. But this technique fixed that issue and made the fin ultra stiff. View this week's Rocketry Workshop Videos (Duration 14 min, 16 sec) | | Previous videos are found on our archive page. |
| Check out the latest products to hit Apogee's shelves! | Black Brant Rocket Kit | |
Introducing Apogee Component's Black Brant VC model rocket Kit - an ~1/15th scale version of the iconic NASA sounding rocket that is sure to impress! Whether you're an experienced modeler looking for a challenge or a newcomer to the hobby, this rocket kit is an excellent choice. The Black Brant VC model rocket kit is a faithful reproduction of the full-scale version, complete with all the intricate details that make it such an iconic symbol of the space age. At 23.5 inches tall, this rocket is sure to turn heads when it takes off into the sky. Of course, it has Apogee's premium quality, so you're assured of a great building and flying experience. Get one today! |
| Level-2 Rocket | |
The 4-inch diameter Level-2 was designed specifically for achieving a Level-2 high power rocketry certification. This is an exceptionally durable rocket because it is made from fiberglass components. That means no more zippers, crunched tubes, nor dinged fins. And it will survive high-thrust rocket motors easily. This rocket can also be used to introduce flyers to the process of recovery by dual deployment. It has a redesigned and simplified fiberglass e-bay in the rocket, and it includes two each of the parachutes, shock cords, and parachute protectors. All you have to do is add the electronics and mounting hardware. There is a limited quantity of this kit, so be sure to get one while they are in stock. |
| Rocket Ejection Capsules | |
These Rocket Ejection Capsules are a convenient solution for dual-deployment of your high power rocket. The canisters provides a reliable and safe method to hold the black powder needed to eject your recovery system, ensuring that you have an optimal flight experience. The canister has a low current Firewire Initiator installed, with 10-inch long wires that can hook directly into your dual-deployment altimeter. This makes set up easy and quick. Just fill the canister with the appropriate amount of black powder, and snap the lid into place! While not reusable, they are quick and convenient to use. |
| Apogee Feathered Flyer Kit | |
The tiny little "Feathered Flyer" is a speed machine that jumps skyward with gusto. Assembly is quick and easy, making it perfect for less experienced builders or those who want a quick build. The kit is inexpensive and uses affordable 13mm diameter motors, so you can launch it over and over again without breaking the bank. However, be careful with how high it goes, as it can quickly disappear from view. You might want to get two or three because it is a nice inexpensive rocketry gift for those that are just starting out. |
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StarBase Launch of the Mega Lander With the excitement around the SpaceX Starship launch this week, I thought I'd run today's simulation in the Launch Visualizer from the actual launch pad in Boca Chica, Texas. Since I don't have a Starship RockSim file, I chose the Apogee Star Lift Mega Lander rocket kit. For the mission, I wanted the rocket to land where the actual starship is parked in the aerial image. It only took me about 4 tries of varying the launch angle and the azimuth direction to get it to land in the right spot. And you can do it without a high power motor, and without violating the 30° launch angle rule. Check it out now! |
| Customer Testimonials: “I had an idea to build a scratch rocket and I knew Apogee would have everything I needed. The inventory and selection was impressive. Everything on my list was right there! I didn't hesitate to order any of the items I needed because I felt confident of what I was buying, due to the very detailed and thorough product details. This made designing and shopping for parts so easy. Apogee has really put a lot of effort and energy in making their online shopping the "Gold Standard" in the industry. Their knowledge and experience really is evident when you look at how perfectly organized and complete their online store is. Everything I needed was in stock and shipped promptly. Prices were as good or better than elsewhere, with the added convenience of one stop shopping. I received everything surprisingly fast, and the order was 100% correct. In addition, I found shipping charges to be quite reasonable, which is not always the case with other online shopping.” -- Eric Kienzle | |
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| I'm now actively seeking writers for articles to appear in this newsletter. And I want unique and cutting-edge articles because that is what you want to read, right? I realize this, so to get articles from outside writers that have the same level of quality, I'm going to have to pay a lot of cash to make it worth it for them. So I've come up with a compensation package where I'll pay up to $350 for good how-to articles. Are you a writer, and does that interest you? That is a lot of cash! Far more than you'll get by writing for other magazines. And with over 23,000 worldwide subscribers, if you write for the Peak-of-Flight Newsletter, you'll gain a lot of notoriety. Writing for the Peak-of-Flight Newsletter is a great way to show off your rocketry projects and your technical expertise, at the same time as helping out other rocketeers. Imagine how great you'll feel knowing that you made a difference to the hobby. If you're interested in writing, see the guidelines on our site. | |
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