AboutDave Landgraf Expertise I will be happy to take on questions about low-power rocketry in general, including rocket design, operating characteristics of blackpowder motors, low-power motor selection, rocket construction, aerodynamics, parachute and streamer duration competition, boost glide (and a little rocket glide), egg loft, altitude competition, and scale competition. I can help you with Barrowman stability calculations, but I am not a rocksim user. I know the basics of mid-power rocketry and small composite motors but I don't fly them much (I'd rather stretch my money by sticking with low-power). I believe I can explain many concepts in a way that just about anyone can follow (and maybe even over-explain?). I absolutely do not mind "newbie" questions one bit; the only bad question is the one you don't ask!
Experience I have flown model rockets for some 40 years, including a few early years of NAR competition. I have been active at the local club level as well as in the NAR. I enjoy designing and developing unconventional designs (the kind of thing you look at and say "it won't fly!").
Organizations National Association of Rocketry
Publications Model Rocketry (magazine)
Education/Credentials I am an aerospace engineer who has worked professionally in the field for over 30 years. I have worked often with local school, church, and scout groups to lead introductory build-n-fly sessions.
Question Dave, for Cub Scout pack in arlington Tx, do you have plans for making the pad and the electronic launch control? thanks Tim
Answer Tim,
I believe there are plans for a simple launcher on the NAR (National Association of Rocketry) website. Try: http://www.nar.org/NARTS/mahler/ultra.html
The Apogee rocketry website may also have launcher plans but I do not have a direct link handy
Another option is to use a Hobby Lobby 40% off coupon (they are posted on the HobLob website every few weeks and you can print as many as you want) to buy an Estes starter special with launch pad, launch rod, and electrical ignition system. This should cost you less than $20 and will save a lot of time!
Maybe best of all, if you are in Arlington, would be to contact the DARS (Dallas Area Rocket Society) guys on their website. Look for the "outreach" links and try contacting them. I know one of the outreach team leaders used to live in Arlington, and they go all over the area to help groups just like yours. They have the launch gear ready for large groups, and I believe they usually help you for free.
