Model Rocket Construction

 Every model rocket has certain basic features.A rocket has a system of fins to keep it on track, it has an engine to give it power. It has recovery wadding (fireproof paper) inside the rocket to keep the recovery system from getting singed.It has a recovery system, and and a nose cone.

 Every rocket has some type of recovery system and a nose cone to reduce the drag.There are certain factors that affect the performance of a rocket.Model rocketeers keep all of them in mind as they construct a kit.

 The greater the impulse from the engine the higher the rocket will go.Engines are available in a variety of powers, burntimes and delay times. Most kits suggest a certain engine for the first flight and then a few examples of engines that can be used as "standard" engines. The first engine usually a lower power engine is recommended so you can test the stability and get the feel for what the rocket is going to do. If you use a higher power than suggested for your rocket after it has been proven it could go so high that you might loose sight of it and never find it again.

 The lighter the rocket the higher it will fly and the farther it will drift during recovery.Most  rocket kits list the weight of the rocket when complete, provided the instructions where followed. This weight does not include the engine.By adding the weight of the engine the total lift off weight can be found. For rockets built from scratch a postal scale would be perfect for finding the weight. Most model rocketeers follow the Model Rocket Safety Code which limits the lift off weight to under 453 grams(16 ounces).

 The drag of the rocket has a definite effect on the performance of the rocket. Drag is the resistance provided by the air which the rocket moves. The greater the drag the slower the rocket moves, and lowers the highest altitude the rocket can reach. The greater the frontal area of the rocket the greater the drag will be. Drag can be controlled during construction of the model by care of building techniques. The smoother the surface of the rocket, for example the less the drag will be. A rocket with carefully aligned fins will also help.The more stable a rocket the higher it will fly.

 Whether you are building a kit or a model from scratch certain techniques will make for a better flying better, looking rocket.

• Follow the directions exactly if you are building a kit. The manufacturers have tested and retested the designs and know the best procedures to follow for there kit. As you grow in experience, you way devise certain techniques to better the original procedures but move ahead carefully in this area.
• Cut all parts to the right size. It only takes a little extra time to be exact. Even die-cut parts should be test fitted before being glued.
• Sand all parts carefully before gluing them. It is easier to sand them off the rocket than an the rocket. Most rockets will fly ALRIGHT with rough wings but to make the job something you will be proud of do the job right.
• Use sanding sealer before painting and clear acrylic sealer after painting. You rocket will look better and fly higher if you do.
• Make sure the fins are on straight. Fin alignment will have a direct effect on the flight of the rocket. Most kits will come with fin alignment guide.There are also fin alignment jigs which you can use on custom rockets.

• Don't spare the the glue. Using the correct amount of glue will help with the rocket construction. Also using the correct type of glue is important. There are a lot of different types of glues out there. For balsa-to-paper, balsa-to-cardboard or balsa-to-balsa white or tacky glue. Plastic or rubber cement will be needed when gluing plastic parts.

[Back to home]