With AeroTech already doing D10 and D21 motors in the 18mm single use configuration, I don’t understand why they are doing a special run of Q-jets for Quest. Any thoughts or guesses?
Hi Lester, I've never tried one of the 18mm Aerotech composite engines. I've only seen them for sale once at a larger club launch. I already had Estes BP 24mm engines so I didn't see a need. I don't think the 18mm composites were ever a big seller for Aerotech. Most people don't like the 18mm reloadables, they are smaller and hard to prep. Maybe 18mm AP engines would sell better for Aerotech if they geared them more to the LPR Quest market. Sort of a gateway to their larger engines?
They're both owned by the same parent company, so it's not like they're making engines for a competitor. Aerotech's 18mm single use and reloadable composite motors were never a high volume product. Even many Aerotech retailers don't carry the 18mm RMS casing and reloads. Using Aerotech's know how with composite propellants to solve Quest's problem with the Chinese made black powder motors makes business sense. Surprised they did not do it much earlier.
Hi BAR, Very true. You wrote: "Surprised they did not do it much earlier." I understood now that Estes BP engine (retail) prices are close to the cost of producing an 18mm composite engine. The time seemed right with Quest not being able to get Chinese made engines and igniters.
With AeroTech already doing D10 and D21 motors in the 18mm single use configuration, I don’t understand why they are doing a special run of Q-jets for Quest.
ReplyDeleteAny thoughts or guesses?
Hi Lester,
DeleteI've never tried one of the 18mm Aerotech composite engines. I've only seen them for sale once at a larger club launch. I already had Estes BP 24mm engines so I didn't see a need.
I don't think the 18mm composites were ever a big seller for Aerotech. Most people don't like the 18mm reloadables, they are smaller and hard to prep.
Maybe 18mm AP engines would sell better for Aerotech if they geared them more to the LPR Quest market. Sort of a gateway to their larger engines?
They're both owned by the same parent company, so it's not like they're making engines for a competitor. Aerotech's 18mm single use and reloadable composite motors were never a high volume product. Even many Aerotech retailers don't carry the 18mm RMS casing and reloads. Using Aerotech's know how with composite propellants to solve Quest's problem with the Chinese made black powder motors makes business sense. Surprised they did not do it much earlier.
ReplyDeleteHi BAR,
DeleteVery true.
You wrote: "Surprised they did not do it much earlier." I understood now that Estes BP engine (retail) prices are close to the cost of producing an 18mm composite engine. The time seemed right with Quest not being able to get Chinese made engines and igniters.