I finally completed the first two build projects of 2024 - a pair of open gap booster stages for use with BT-5 and BT-20 upper stage rockets.
These vehicles feature an open interstage adapter to prevent the free escape of gas pressure from blowing the stages apart before sustainer ignition.
The design of these boosters is inspired by the various Aerobee sounding rockets flown in the past.
The short tube at the top of each interstage adapter will slip over the protruding upper stage motor casing as long as it is 1/4" in length.
The booster stages also contain a music wire motor retainer to prevent ejection of the booster casings.
The black paint on each of the models is of the high heat variety, used to paint BBQ grills, to protect the interstage structure from hot gases.
Here are some pics:
AGS-132
The booster stages in flight configuration:
An MPC Super Star clone atop the 13mm booster, and an Estes Viking mated with the 18mm version.
I greatly look forward to flying these tandems at the next Colorado Front Range launch session.
Cheers!
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