I'm starting this thread because of all of the really cool and creative ideas you guys mentioned over on the rail guide thread. I'm hoping to tap into that creative spirit here, so any thought or idea is welcome. Kind of a like a virtual brainstorming session!
I have long been fascinated by the Sprint ABM from the '60s/early '70s. If you aren't familiar with it, you can check this link for more info. I was truly a remarkable piece of work!
Years ago, I built many versions of the Sprint. From a tiny 13mm version to a three-plus foot, 24mm version, all were pretty good flyers and were fun for a number of reasons, not least of which was that they were finless. The LPR versions were relatively easy to get on the launch rod because they all featured a regular type launch lug mounted to the core tube with a hole near the nose for the rod to pass through. (See pics below of my one surviving LPR Sprint)
Recently I've started toying with the idea of an HPR version of the Sprint and have done a very preliminary OR file for a 73" by 12" diameter, 54mm motor version (see attached). Its all pretty straight forward until it comes to launching the thing. I suppose I could just go old-school and use 1/2" diameter launch lugs on the inner tube, but it seems a bit inelegant and who uses half-inch launch rods anymore? I would like to use a rail, but of course that would put the thing on an angle coming off the rail. That might not matter much in the overall scheme, but why invite potentially rowdy guests to the party?
I have several ideas rattling around in my head, none that are really jumping out though. I thought about tube launching like the original, but a cone-shaped rocket pushing sabot up the pipe just seems like a great way to jam the thing in the tube. S'pose it could be made to work, though...
Anyway...
I thought the collected brain power of the forum might be willing to give this problem a moment's thought and might have a little fun doing it.
Like I said, all ideas are welcome (serious or not!).
Thanks in advance!
Mike
LPR Sprint. 25 years old and a bit rough, but still flies:
Launch lug just visible...
OR file for HPR version. Very basic, but gives a place to start the design.
I have long been fascinated by the Sprint ABM from the '60s/early '70s. If you aren't familiar with it, you can check this link for more info. I was truly a remarkable piece of work!
Years ago, I built many versions of the Sprint. From a tiny 13mm version to a three-plus foot, 24mm version, all were pretty good flyers and were fun for a number of reasons, not least of which was that they were finless. The LPR versions were relatively easy to get on the launch rod because they all featured a regular type launch lug mounted to the core tube with a hole near the nose for the rod to pass through. (See pics below of my one surviving LPR Sprint)
Recently I've started toying with the idea of an HPR version of the Sprint and have done a very preliminary OR file for a 73" by 12" diameter, 54mm motor version (see attached). Its all pretty straight forward until it comes to launching the thing. I suppose I could just go old-school and use 1/2" diameter launch lugs on the inner tube, but it seems a bit inelegant and who uses half-inch launch rods anymore? I would like to use a rail, but of course that would put the thing on an angle coming off the rail. That might not matter much in the overall scheme, but why invite potentially rowdy guests to the party?
I have several ideas rattling around in my head, none that are really jumping out though. I thought about tube launching like the original, but a cone-shaped rocket pushing sabot up the pipe just seems like a great way to jam the thing in the tube. S'pose it could be made to work, though...
Anyway...
I thought the collected brain power of the forum might be willing to give this problem a moment's thought and might have a little fun doing it.
Like I said, all ideas are welcome (serious or not!).
Thanks in advance!
Mike
LPR Sprint. 25 years old and a bit rough, but still flies:
Launch lug just visible...
OR file for HPR version. Very basic, but gives a place to start the design.