Another hot day, about 93 degrees. The wind was blowing about 25-30 mph, but occasionally would calm down so we could try to get in another flight. Joe couldn’t get this ignitor to fire a rocket, but had no trouble here. As always, we had a great time flying rockets.
This slow motion video is Joe’s Frac and Frac C6-0/C6-0
This Slow Motion video is Kevin’s Sunward Mega Vertico D12-3
Estes Solar Flare kit EST 2401. This flashy, two-stage rocket launch set is sure to be the buzz of rocket enthusiasts every place, so why not be among the first to own one. This two stage rocket stands over 28 inches tall. Its innovative ring design makes this rocket a one of a kind on any launch pad.
It’s heavier than expected! Both the sustainer AND booster have weights for stability and safe tumbling during recovery. Very usual to see counterweight in the booster especially. The upper stage takes a 13mm motor! This may have been a deliberate trade off to lower the nose weight required.
But a recommended motor combination of C6-0 and A10-3T is not something you see everyday. The staging mechanism is gap staged in a manner reminiscent of the Centuri Pass-Port system.
The sustainer motor will slip into a stuffer tube that is built into the booster engine mount. As it begins to separate, excess gas pressure can escape out of a 3mm vent hole in the booster. This thing is rugged. The 3/32” thick fins are hard balsa reinforced with rings. The booster fin aft corners are rounded to prevent chipping. This is suitable for smaller fields. Due to the weight, size, and motor limitations, it will stay below 1000ft and will be easily visible.
Sources
- Great Hobbies https://www.greathobbies.com/productinfo/?prod_id=EST2401
- The Rocketry Forum “Estes Solar Flare review, photos, build tips” https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/estes-solar-flare-review-photos-build-tips.186580/
- Jimz https://www.spacemodeling.org/jimz/estes.htm
