Launch! Orlando R.O.C.K, March 5, 2016

You couldn't ask for better weather and a well run launch. There was party cloudy skies and winds from 5 to 10 mph.

First up for me was the Estes QUINSTAR with a C6-3.
There was a fast spin during boost to about 150'. At apogee the model didn't flip over and spun slow during descent.
Next up was the Custom NOMAD with a German made Quest B6-4. Textbook flight and recovery with an estimated 325'.



I finally got around to re-flying the Alway SATURN IV.
This was the same rocket that sat in a tree at the ROCK site for a month.
The BT-5 tubes were a bit wrinkled but plenty strong for flight.
The Estes B6-4 got it to an estimated 350'.

Lonnie Buchanon joined us for some vintage flying.
This is his scratch built Centuri Alien Scoutship Flying Saucer.
Three flights were made using three Centuri C5-0 engines.

Lonnie had the only lost rocket of the day. His CP Overkill (8 finned) rocket was caught up on a power line.

Here's the first flight of the AVI NIKE TOMAHAWK.
I used an Estes B6-2 purchased from the JonRocket trailer.

Arrow straight flight to about 300'. The 12" parachute brought it back close with no damage.









Tom Tweit launched the Estes Dude with a D12-3 engine. A slow boost got it up to 125'.
After the (tiny) parachute ejected from the rear tube the balloon fell slowly on it's side parallel to the ground. During the flight there were cheers, applause and a few laughs.

After two good QUINSTAR flights with C6-3s, I pulled out the 20/50 adapter and loaded up a D12-3. I set a piece of masking tape over a cracked area on the side structure. I was concerned the 1/16" thick balsa body might reach the S.O.B. or "Speed Of Balsa".
The model held up fine to an altitude of around 300'. It didn't spin on the way down, it tumbled. No damage.
NOTE: if you want to fly the Quinstar with a D engine, build it strong. Be sure to fillet every joint.

It was great to see Jean today.(Tom's Dennon's Mother)
After launching a few she helped pack up, rolling the launch area border tape.

Also flown: My oldest BAR rocket, a clone of the Estes DER RED MAX.
A sooty German made Quest B6-4 gave a textbook flight. Recovery was under a very old Centuri chute.