This launch session was one of which I like to call “Shoe Box”
launches. This is where I have a short span
of time – anywhere from half an hour to forty five minutes – when I can get
over to a nearby small park and put up one or two quick flights. Aside from the launcher and rod, a regular
old shoe box packed with only the essential supplies for the launch is taken
along. The models are pre-prepped and
ready to go.
Today, the
models of choice were the Hornet and an Estes Bandit-3 for its maiden flight. The launch location was Founders Park in
Castle Rock, Colorado. Weather conditions
were clear with a steady 7 mph breeze present.
First up was the
Hornet on an A3-4T motor. The boost was
fine, and the parachute ejected at apogee, but failed to open. The model was recovered with no damage.
The second
flight went to the E2X Bandit 3 on a 1/2A3-4T motor. Nice boost, ejection, and streamer
deployment. The model landed very nearby
after a short flight. Upon recovery it
was found that the end of the body tube had sustained a little nose snap-back
damage. Easy repair.
