Launch Report, October 24, '98

I do love the organized launches with the waivers and the BIG rockets. Both days were sunny with a moderate midday breeze. The evening was capped with some flights against a dramatic sunset.

Photos from the event:

• Photo (46k) Flyers watch the east pads while waiting for pad assignments.
• Photo (16k) Bill Rossi's Saab on an APS M motor. Just after this picture was snapped the motor let go and destroyed the rear of the rocket.
• Photo (25k) A mobile launcher by a LIARS member drives out, erects its rocket, and launches it.
• Photo (20k) A Hypertek hybrid J-class motor powered rocket leaves the rail giving the attendees a "raspberry".

Flights (of my rockets):

• Mark II (3.53X repro) [EJ G35-7W]
  A beautiful long burn with a gradual arc over the flightline. Ejection right at apogee and recovery with no damage.
• Starship Excalibur (1.59X repro) [EJ F20-4W]
  Straight boost with a rotation of about 30rpm from the slightly warped plywood fins. Early ejection but recovery with no damage.
• Dragonship (1.59X repro) [cluster D12-5,C6-5,C6-5]
  Excellent flight. All three engines lit simultaneously and it got going in a hurry. A nice boost with slightly early ejection. No damage with recovery by an 18" nylon chute.