AboutTodd Panico Expertise I can answer questions about designing, building, testing and flying single stage model rockets using 1/4 to D size engines.
Experience I have been flying model rockets for about 25 years. I have been designing rockets for about 15 years.
Publications I have written articles that have appeared in the local newspapers Weekend/Hobby section.
Education/Credentials I have been taught basic aerodynamics by The US Air Force.
Awards and Honors I have been awarded many Certificates of Appreciation from the Boy Scouts and local schools for giving demonstrations and guiding scouts to earn their rocketry badge.
Question Todd, for my 6th grade science project I built two Nova Payloaders inverting the fins on rocket #2. Surprisingly. it out performeed the standard design. Is this due to a change in drag? Altitudes were calculated using TAN angle x base = height. Dad did angle measurements while I launched Base was 740Feet. Rocket one reached 1,180 feet. Rocket two was 1,392. Same day, same conditions using C6-5 engines.
Answer Hello Winston, how many flights did each rocket make? If they flew a couple times each and the results were basically the same, I would say drag played a part. But, there are a couple other factors you want to measure. One being the weight of each rocket. Do they weigh the same? Something else to look at is the flight path of each rocket. Did they both fly straight up? Or did one fly a little crooked? If one didn't fly as straight as the other, the calculation you use to find it's altitude would have to be adjusted. You said the base was 740 feet. If the rocket flew towards your dad this number would be smaller. If it flew away from your dad it would be larger.
So, to answer your question, yes it could be, but more information is needed to be sure.
