Heads
Up
(by Bob Fortune) This is basically a tube
launched rocket. It's almost finless but I suppose the fins have some
effect. I don't have VCP so I have no idea how it tapes out. The center
of gravity with a B motor is right at the NC-shoulder mounted launch lug which
was serendipitous but nice. Funny how those things work out.
I've flown it on B4-2's and on C6-3's. It passes safety
inspection as it stands though the motor tube looks a little loose in the aft
centering ring.
Typical Scenario:
I show up at the check-in table with a B motor installed. The RSO says
"you're gonna fly that onna B?" I explain that the yellow body
stays on the pad. He says "hunh, the body stays on the
pad?" I pull the rocket out of the tube so he can see the
configuration. He says, "hunh?" at which point I
show him the parachute and shock cord *inside* the nosecone.
At which point he scratches his head for a bit then is willing to play
along. He'll call for a heads up, and then lets the crowd know that this
is an "untested rocket so everyone watch out". Instant
audience. Lotsa laughs, all these people are looking for a large yellow
rocket to launch and a black and fluorescent orange arrow-looking thing squirts
out.
The thing actually flies really well. About 600' on a C, kind of wimpy
300' on a B. It's also relatively inexpensive to make since most of it is
BT and board.
![[Rocket Pic]](../../images_descon/heads_up.jpg)