Friday, August 7, 2020

First Maple Seed Model?

On TRF, the subject of Maple Seed recovery came up.

Eric (RKTMAN in TRF) posted a link to probably the first "eject and spin" or maple seed recovery.
The December 1965 Estes Model Rocket News shows the third place winner in their R&D Contest.

The Whirlibird, designed by Chris Carstensen.
To see the MRN issue: CLICK HERE

Other models inspired by this design could be the three fin Estes Tornado, but I have a feeling the Tornado was influenced by the original Cyclone.
This four-fin Whirlibird reminds me more of the Centuri Flutter-By: CLICK HERE

Trivia note: The December 1965 issue of the MRN introduced the Estes Tri-Fold shock cord mount.

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