Fluorescent Tube Cover (FTC) Rockets
These are obviously
more streamlined than pop-bottle rockets and fly much higher. The
rocket shown is a bit over 6 feet tall. I have not used an altimeter yet, so
don't know how high it goes, but it hits apogee at around 5 seconds from
liftoff when filled 30% with water and with 100psi CO2. Fins are made
from a corrugated plastic "for sale" sign and attached with PL Premium
construction adhesive (Home Depot).
It uses a
horizontal parachute
deployment system (Youens). Rather than using a wooden trigger
attached to launcher with a line, like my 6-liter rocket, this uses Youens
airflap trigger idea.
The
airflap is made from a popcycle stick with a bit of curved FTC material
wired/glued on to give it a little more surface area. The nylon hinge
is wired to the rocket; the same wires also hold the tomy timer in place.
The horizontal tube, which holds the chute, is made from a medicine
container. Plastic Easter egg is on top. This rocket had 6
successful flights with chute deploying properly each time, and then
deployment failed and it self-destructed upon re-entry. I think that I
had wrapped the rubber band too tightly around the body and hence the extra
force on the Tomy timer handle created more friction between the pin and
popcycle stick than could be overcome - hence it never triggered to start
the timer.
