B&M Rockets Launch Report

September 19, 1998

Pine Bluffs, Wyoming

Launch Conditions:

Temperature: Mid 50's

Winds: Light, 5 mph

Launch Time: 2 p.m.

Rocket	Engine	Result
1. Estes Alpha III	B6-3, C6-7	Normal flight/recovery
2. Estes Sizzler	C6-3	Normal Flight
3. Estes Phoenix	D12-5	Normal Flight
4. Estes Mosquito	1/2A-3	Rocket Lost

Launch Summary:

The day started out looking like we would not be able to launch anything.   However, mother nature was on our side, and the weather cleared shortly after noon.

The Estes Alpha III was flown successfully three times.   The last flight of the day was on a C6-7 Engine, and the rocket really flew! It floated a long way away, an was almost lost.

We have a new member of our club that is seven.   He had built the Estes Sizzler and was quite excited to see it fly.   We first launched it on a C6-3 and it flew fairly well.   It left the pad on a 20 degree angle from straight up.   Due to this, and the fact that the rocket should have a D size engine due to the weight, the rocket almost crashed.   The chute ejected approximately 50 feet above the ground.   This made for an exciting launch!!   We then flew it two more times successfully, each on the C6-3.   We utilized a longer launch rod and that solved the problem of flying off the rod at an angle.

The Estes Phoenix flight was a success.   It was your typical, no problem flight.   The chute deployed normally, and the rocket was recovered in one piece.   We have plans to retrofit this rocket or make an upscale version using an F sized engine.   The rocket isn't a great performer, but always is fun to fly.

The last rocket of the day, was our seven year old members Estes Mosquito.   This launch was a success, all we saw was a little red streak going up, and that was the last we saw this rocket.   To date, the Mosquito hasn't been found.

Launch Photos

The Estes Phoenix, its outta here!	The club president and a member enjoy the sizzler (ha)