Introduction To Model Rockets
This article is a basic introduction for anyone wanting to start assembling and flying model rockets. The main items you will need are as follows
* a model rocket
* a rocket engine
* a launch pad with some sort of launch controller (usually electronic)
The Model Rocket
Model rockets kit in many different level of complexity and many of the manufacturers such as Estes use some sort of rating system to indicate how easy a model is to assemble. The lower the number, the easier the model is to build. Obviously beginners should start with model rocket kits that are labelled skill level 1. Before going out and buying a rocket kit try and find some reviews of various rockets, how easy they are to build and how well they fly.
Rocket Motors
Selecting the appropriate rocket motor to use is easy because most manufacturers usually indicates which rocket motors work well with the kit. Often, the manufacturer will give a choice of at least three motors: smallest, largest, and something in between. They are usually an "A" size, "B" size, and "C" size, with "A" being the smallest, and "C" being the biggest.
As a rough guide going from one size to the next means the rocket will travel twice as high. So a "B" size rocket will go twice as high as an "A" engine. This is an important factor to consider as the higher the rocket flies, the greater the chance it may be lost as it could drift great distances in the wind. Its a good idea for beginners to start with the smallest sized motors and then progress to larger sized motors.
The Launch Pad The purpose of the launch pad is to hold and stabilize the rocket for launching. Never attempt to lauch a rocket directly from the ground. This is extremely dangerous as it could fly in any direction. The launch pad usually has a rod that guides the rocket allowing it to travel only in an upward direction. By the time it leaves the pad, it has built up enough speed where the fins keep it moving in a straight line. The lauch pad should also have a wide base, so that it keeps the rocket from tipping over in a breeze. Launch pads can be used over and over again and may only need be replaced once you progress to larger sized rockets.
The Launch Controller
The launch controller is a battery powered device that uses an electric current to ignite the rocket motor. Such a controller should always be used to light rocket engines. This is because with an electrical ignition system . Don't use fuse or wick. With a electrical ignition system, you can control when the rocket motor will ignite. With a fuse this cant be controlled as once lit the motor at some point will ignite.
