Orlando R.O.C.K. Monthly Launch, January 7, 2023

One of the cooler launch days in quite a while! Winds topped out at 5 mph. We had some first timers (Christmas gift rockets) and their families.

Here's Skip Paret's Galactic Explorer, plenty stable with all the upturned fins.

My first flight was the Estes QUINSTAR with a C5-3 motor. Estimated altitude was 150 feet.

Fast spin up, slow spin coming down.

This Estes Esam-58 drifted back on the launcher and draped over two different launch rods.

A personal favorite - 

My Estes SHUTTLE COLUMBIA with a B6-4.

That single spin tab on the trailing edge of the wing imparts a slow roll during boost. 

Full 18" chute at ejection and no damage on recovery.

Estimated altitude, 300'.

A perfect launch and staging of Joshua's Boosted Bertha.

A B6-0 in the first stage to a B6-4 in the sustainer.

Here's my Centuri ARGUS clone with an Estes C6-5

Arrow straight to an estimated 600'. Someone commented: "Gee, Chris actually got some altitude!"

I don't usually launch C motors on this field but felt safe with the low winds. 

The model is strong using the Enerjet 1340 fin can. No damage on recovery. 

Cory Skinner's Der Big Red Max flew twice with E12-5 motors.

Space X has nothing on this recovery. It touched down on the grass, bounced and landed on it's fins.

I built the Semroc (Centuri) EXCALIBUR over two years ago. Today was the first flight.

I usually start low with the recommended A8-3. Estimated altitude was 250'. The Semroc/Centuri print 12" chute brought it in close.

Last up for me was the ASP SANDIA SANDHAWK

This is a screamer on the 1/8A Micromaxx motor. Estimated altitude was 100', but tiny models look like they go much higher.

Good thing it has a chrome Mylar streamer. It helps to spot it in the air after ejection.

Five up for me, five recovered with little damage.

A good start for the new year.