DARS Model Rocket Launch - Frisco, Texas - June 21, 2008
When I saw the flags draped on the poles driving to work Thursday, I was optimistic about the upcoming DARS launch Saturday.  Friday, I checked the weather (www.noaa.gov) and saw they were forecasting 5-10mph winds ouf of the NNE.  Not perfect, but about as good as we've had it in many months; it's been dang windy in Texas this year.

Jonesing for some staging action, I skipped out of a party early Friday night to prep some rockets, then headed out to a bar to see a friend's band play.  Had a blast hanging with my middle aged friends - felt like I was still in college :)

Arriving at the range Saturday morning, I had four Midgets in various scales, my daughter Haley and her rocket, Haley's Comet.  First up was the 1.2x upscale Midget (Quest T-30 tubing) on a B6-0 to A8-5 and a 12" chute.  Great flight.  Recovered A-OK.




Next up was my 1.4x upscale Midget (Quest T-35 tubing) on a C11-0 to A8-5 with a 72"x2" streamer.  Great flight. Recovered A-OK.  Took a few minutes to find the booster - it was hiding in plain sight.  Thanks to Sam Barone's keen eye spotting it.

Here's 10yo Haley tracking another flight prior to putting this one on the pad.  That's Don Magness in the shade and my new Impala SS in the background.



Haley's Comet went up on a D12-5 with an 18" chute.  Great flight. Recovery A-OK.



Here's an unfinished Big Daddy lifting off.  Didn't catch whose it was.  Next to that is Pelham Swift's black rocket on a G80 IIRC.  Somebody somewhere is missing a no-parking sign :)



Next up was the 1.6x Midget (Quest T-40 tubing) on a C11-0 to C11-7.  Got more altitude than I expected.  Need to make sure that wasn't a D12-7 :)  The 16" chute was definitely too much.  Long walk!


Last flight of the day was my new BT-55 upscale Midget on its maiden flight on a B6-0 to A8-5 with a 12" chute.  It really got up.  I wasn't expecting that much altitude.  Still need to work on those liftoff shots.  This one's just a tick out of frame :(

All in all, it was a great day.  I had fun, and Haley had fun, and that counts most :D
Doug




Doug's Rockets Homepage

June 21, 2008



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