From Aerotech's Facebook page - "Off for certification they go!
Qjet certification motors en route to NAR for testing! C's and D's will be submitted after we get the results on the A's and B's."
These are the new Quest Q-Jets in A3-4, A3-6, B4-4 and B4-6 flavors.
Composite 18mm engines with new igniters.
A step in the right direction . . .
Great news! That's what I was waiting for. And hopefully down the road they can offer A, B, and C reloads for their 18mm RMS casing to lower the price point per launch even further. One can only hope.
ReplyDeleteWoo-hoo!!
ReplyDeleteIf they made the date for the release of the D engines public it would be circled in red on my calendar!!
ReplyDeleteIn one if the posts, someone mentioned that NAR had not tested any submitted motors in over a year. I hope this isn't true, or we could be waiting a long time for these. I'm in for trying all flavors
ReplyDeleteHi Metal,
DeleteI don't think that is true. The question has been answered by the NAR engine testing staff before. They stated they get to the engine testing quickly.
If I remember clearly, Daniel the Rocket N00b discussed his visit to the testing facility at MIT on the Rocketry Show podcast. Sounded like an interesting place.
DeleteForgive me for sounding contrary, it's not my intention to criticize but NAR S&T really hasn't announced any new motors since 1/2016. (http://www.nar.org/standards-and-testing-committee/engine-testing-notices/)
DeleteWhy would anyone want 18mm A-C composites? What is the advantage? They are STILL 18mm. I would 'get it' if they were 13mm. But why would I care about A-C 18mm? Its not taking advantage of greater composite specific impulse. So is this just 'ooooh shiny new?'
ReplyDeleteHi Jeff,
DeleteI would think Quest would want to have both engines and rocket kits available from their website. The school bulk pack market (kits and engines) is larger than you might think.
I think the attraction is the different types of propellant - lot's of white smoke or red flame, etc. Also for a different thrust-curve.
DeleteFor me, it's the different flight profiles of composites vs BP, even those with the same designation. Try launching a rocket with an Estes E16-4, then try an Aerotech E16. Like night and day. Whenever I launch my LPR birds with an 18mm composite, I get lots of oohs and aahs, and comments like "Wow, what was IN that?" The prospect of bringing that from MPR to LPR with these motors is very exciting. Of course, it probably will be a few weeks or months before we see these at retail. Until then we'll all have to cool our jets, er rockets, and look at strengthening our fin joints and motor mounts. Keep on rock(ateer)in'!
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