RoboRocketry NARTREK Launch, X-15 and More July 25, 2009

Alan Boldt with his Estes Skywriter that he used for two of his NARTREK Cadet Mercury Level launches.

The Estes Executioner (This one was formerly the Executioner XL...) about to make it's first flight on an 18mm AeroTech RMS reload (We used a 24mm to 18mm adapter). This flight was awesomely loud in the echoing park. Click here to see the video.

Jet and Jim Thevenot joined us out there for the day. Jet is seen here at the controls of Alan's Launch Box.

RoboRocketry's Quest X-15 sitting on Pad #3 ready for liftoff.

One of Jet Thevenot's rockets making an excellent flight.

Alan and his Estes Skywriter just before another NARTREK Cadet Mercury Level flight.

RoboRocketry's Semroc Centurian getting ready for a 2 Stage flight.

The Semroc Centurian in flight on the first stage booster motor.

The Estes Wizard rocket that Alan built and flew for his other NARTREK Cadet Mercury Level flights.

Another of Jet Thevenot's great flights lifting off.

RoboRocketry's Estes Renegade sitting ready for a 2 stage flight.

The Estes Renegade under booster power of the first stage.

Jet and Alan happily returning from Rocket Retrieval Duty with the Estes Skywriter.

Jet and his dad Jim with a couple of their rockets they flew that day.

Jet and Alan with some of their rockets.

Jet, after a good day's launch.

RoboRocketry Launch July 16, 2009 Alan's Chinese Fire Arrow

Alan made his flyable Chinese Fire Arrow as part of a History of Rockets project for his GATE class at Gale Elementary School a couple years ago. After using it in several presentations, he felt it was time to give it a try.

Alan was anxious to see what this thing would do...

Alan's Chinese Fire Arrow ready on Pad #2.

Just as the original Chinese fire arrows, it wasn't the most accurate, but it did instill fear in those attacking enemy hoardes that were near...

Actually, it had a pretty straight liftoff and just did a loop or two after gaining a little altitude. Pretty cool little show after all. And the ejection charge at the end added to the drama.

Alan safely recovers his Chinese Fire Arrow.

The only damage was couple of missing feathers... Still ready for his next History of Rockets presentation.

Another first of that launch day was the first flight of RoboRocketryOne, which I later used for a NAR Level 1 HPR (High Power Rocketry) certification.

Alan prepares the fire arrow as I prepare the mid power 24mm RMS Monster Motor for the RR1 flight.

RoboRocketryOne sitting on Pad #3 ready for launch.

Another shot of RR1 before launch...

Great launch (Sorry no picture of that) and safe recovery. That was definately fun. Ready to go bigger next time... Closer to L1 cert...

The red ignitor retainer cap actually was burned through by the thrust and stayed on for the whole flight.

That caused the yellow Copper Head ignitor adapter to be carried with the rocket up a ways, but we did find it in the grass after the flight.

After a very satisfying launch day, back at the office cleaning up the Rouse-Tech Monster Motor casing.