[Not displaying correctly? View web version.] | Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #531: | The chute spool is a system designed by Michael Moran for the purpose of reducing the drift of low and mid power rockets that aren't using a standard dual-deployment system. It is essentially a streamer wrapped around a spool, with the intention of slowly unwrapping during descent. Once the spool is fully unwound, it will release the main chute much closer to the ground, and thereby reducing the distance the rocket has traveled from the pad. It is a clever invention, and so this week we are having Michael go over his design process, the completed device, and everything you would need to know to build your own. | Read the rest of this week's article, either on a downloadable PDF for printing out, or on our website (great for viewing on your phone)! Previous issues of our newsletter are found at our archive page. |
Check out the latest products to hit Apogee's shelves! The Amarok | The Amarok, a mid-power size rocket was inspired by “The Amarok,” which is a mythological wolf in Inuit culture. It is lightning quick and ready to rip the sky apart. Powered by 29mm diameter motors, this rocket is easy to build, and makes a great first mid-power rocket for those that want something a little bigger and more impressive. It utilizes laser-cut basswood fins, through-the-wall fin tabs, a blow-molded plastic nose cone and several vinyl decals. It also includes an ejection baffle to eliminate the need for wadding. You'll love this ferocious looking rocket that is durable and stands out on the launch field. |
The FlameThrower | IT'S BACK! The DynaStar FlameThrower rocket is inspired by a rifle bullet - and it's about that fast too; it uses a two-engine cluster to accelerate it skyward. With two motors, it produces twice the amount of flame, twice the amount of smoke and twice the thunderous noise compared to a regular single-engine rocket. The kit features a blow-molded plastic transition, nose cone, and laser-cut basswood fins. Catch a glimpse of this speedy rocket now. |
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Mach I - Messier 76 | The Messier is a high-power capable rocket made from fiberglass components. It features a 3-inch diameter fiberglass nose cone with an aluminum tip. The simple 3FNC design becomes a classic choice when you are using all fiberglass components and at a scale such as this. It will definitely get attention on the launch field. This rocket is a nice choice for those people that are looking for a rocket that can be used to achieve a Level 2 high-power certifications. |
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Mini-Windlance Glider | The Mini-Windlance is a competition style 13mm boost-glider rocket made for 1/2A through A-size engines. It's a simple design, intended to fly great and can be assembled quickly. At ejection, the pop-pod, which carries the engine, falls away from the glider to lessen the weight so the glider hangs in the air longer. This is a great entry level boost-glider type rocket. |
The Laser LOC | The Laser LOC from LOC Precision Rocketry is a new, minimum diameter 38mm rocket designed for pure altitude. It has high durability components, a fiberglassed fin can, thick wall tubes and through-the-wall fin installation. Combined, they make up a rocket capable of handling even the highest power 38mm engines. And with the minimum-drag airframe, you will get some serious altitude. It's like a laser beam across the sky! |
NCR Vektra | The Vektra from North Coast Rocketry is a concept of the future of air-to-air missiles. It stands 3ft tall, has 2 sets of 4 fins, laser-cut plywood components and is designed with high-power in mind. This kit is perfect for those individuals looking to fly on the high end of the 29mm rockets motors. The Vectra is designed for altitude, and it has the motor options to match. |
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| I first started using apogee components during this Covid quarantine. I had built model rockets, but wanted to get into high power. I chose the Zephyr because there is a "how-to" video for the construction. The package arrived quickly with everything I ordered. I followed step by step and came out with a great looking BIG rocket. Unfortunately my ejection charge was weak, and I my rocket smashed into the ground. The durable fins and motor mount survived! I just bought replacement parts to fix mt rocket for $30! Tim's videos are incredibly helpful for any builder. I will use apogee for all my rocket needs! Adam Roanoke, Texas | |
We're looking for someone to write a definitive guide to selecting igniters, controllers and batteries for rockets. We'd love to have a newsletter article on that topic, because we get lots of inquiries about it. Is that you? Do you know how many e-matches can be set off in a cluster by a 3.7v 400 mAh battery? See our Newsletter Guidelines on how to submit an article on this topic and get paid up to $350 for your time. | |
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I need help with generating the bi-weekly newsletter articles since it takes a lot of effort to put them together. And I'm willing to pay big bucks for your help. So ask yourself, are you looking to earn some extra money? 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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