An Introduction To Model Rockets

Model rocketry is an exciting and growing hobby that is open to anyone of nearly any age. Model rockets range from one stage low altitude models to supersonic high altitude models. They consist of everything from simple cardboard to beautifully constructed scratch built designs. Sizes range from 5 inches to the world's largest model rocket at nearly 36 feet tall!

The basic model rocket is constructed from a combination plastic, cardboard and balsa wood and is powered by a rocket motor. The model rocket's operation is simple:

There is a body tube with fins attached and a nosecone on top, these are for aerodynamics and stability. There's a rocket motor for propulsion and there may be a parachute for recovery. The motor burns and propels the rocket upward and when the propellant burns out, the rocket coasts upwards then arcs over. The parachute pops out and the rocket floats gently back to earth.

Model rockets fall into one of five classifications.

1. Model Rockets are rockets that weigh up to one pound and have motor weights of 4oz or less.

2. Large Model Rockets are rockets that weigh up to 3.3 pounds and contain motors that weigh from 4oz to 4.4oz.

3. High Power Rockets, also called Sport Rockets are rockets that fly using motors larger than 4.4 oz. They are generally larger and use motor sizes from H to O.

4. Experimental Rockets can be any size rocket using APCP or Hybrid motors from "H" to "P" power.

5. An Amateur rocket can be any size rocket using any size or type of motor.

Model Rocket Engines

Rocket engines for model rockets are usually made of solid propellant and are classified by thrust. Letters designate the power of the motor. The power doubles with each consecutive letter. A motor with a "B" classification is twice as powerful as an "A" classification. A motor with a "C" classification is twice as powerful as a "B" class motor and so forth.

Rockets in the model rocket class normally use single-use disposable engines that can be purchased commercially online or at your favorite hobby store.

High power rockets typically use reloadable rocket motors and components. The rocketeer may even build a motor using his own formula for better performance.

 

The Beginner's Guide To Model Rocket Engines

 

 

Model Rocket Recovery Methods

Model rockets are propelled thousands of feet into the air and use several types of recovery systems to bring them safely back to earth. The type of recovery used will vary with the weight of the rocket.

1. Featherweight recovery is the simplest approach for small and light rockets. The rocket simply floats back to earth.

2. Tumble recovery allows the rocket to simply tumble back to earth. This type of recovery is also designed for light rockets.

3. Nose-blow recovery, for a very light rocket, uses an ejection charge on the motor to eject the nosecone causing increased drag and a slow descent.

4. Parachute recovery ejects a parachute or streamer for descent back to earth.

5. Glide recovery carries a charge that will cause a wing or airfoil to deploy causing a circular glide back to earth.

6. Helicopter recovery deploys a set of helicopter blades and the model rotates back to earth.

Model rocketry is one of the safest hobbies around. To date no one has lost their life pursuing this hobby. This can be largely attributed to guidelines created by two organizations, the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) and Tripoli (TRA). These organizations have created regulations that cover all aspects of rocketry from rockets, motors, and associated components, to launch site requirements.

Never has there been a more exciting time for the budding rocketeer, young or old, to explore this fantastic hobby.