[NRV Rocketry] What is a Low vs Medium vs High Power rocket?

[Bob Schoner]

Tweeks,

Thanks for posting that.

A nice summary for folks who are just finding out about us and the world of
rocketry beyond A,B,C and the mighty D engines.

Keep asking questions, because sometimes I forget that not everyone has the
same background.


Bob
There are no stupid questions, just stupid people.


On Tue, Sep 10, 2013 at 12:37 AM, Thomas Weeks <tweeksjunk2 at theweeks.org>wrote:

> After sending out the launch announcements for low/medium power or
> "class-1"
> launches, someone just asked me:
>
> >  Tweeks, How do you define "medium power" rockets?
>
> Good question!
> (please ask such questions on the public list! :)
>
>
> Medium power is not an official designation, but is usually considered
> "larger
> than model" rockets, that fly on E, F or G motors, but weigh less that
> "high
> power" (class-2, or being less 3.3lbs and/or up to 125grams total of
> propellant). Medium power is still considered "Class-1" by the FAA (same
> class
> as model rockets) and so does not require a waiver or TRA/NAR
> certification to
> fly.
>
> But in general, "medium power" rockets use F-G size motors (or H with less
> than 125grams of propellant), and is a rocket weighing less than 3.3lbs.
> Anything MORE than that requires and FAA waiver and usually falls into the
> high power (or class-2) category.
>
> Here's a nice clean over view of the categories, and the implications that
> go
> with each:
>         http://www.rocketcentral.org/
>
> or a more technical guide of class-1 (low and medium power) vs class-2
> (high
> power) rockets:
>         http://www.nar.org/cabinet/waiverinst.html
>
>
>
> Actually looking at class-1/medium power rockets, here's an example of one
> of
> the larger medium power rockets you can fly (just under 3.3lbs fully
> loaded):
>         http://nrvr.org/pics/rocket-girl_m.JPG
>
> It is large, but still sports model-type features:
> -card board tube
> -plastic fins
> -elastic shock cord
> -under 3 lbs
>
> Where the smallest of the "High Power" rockets will typically fly on an H,
> like this one:
>         http://www.madcowrocketry.com/Super_DX3_Rocket_p/k-129.htm
>
> A HP rocket may look same size as a large medium power rocket, but will
> typically use:
> -beefier construction
> -uses hardwood or fiberglass/G10/carbon-fiber "thru-tube" mounted fins
> -use tubular nylon or Kevlar shock cords
> -use H, I or larger motors
> -be heavier (over 3.3lbs loaded)
>
>
> Does this help a bit?
>
> For folks in our group just getting started in medium/high-power, and
> because
> we have both class-1 (model/medium power) and class-2 (high power)
> launches --
> I like to recommend investing in a rocket that can fly on both G and H
> motors
> (with either a 29mm or 38mm motor mounts). That way you can get used to
> flying
> medium power and work your way up to, and certify Level-1 with the same
> rocket.  Here are a couple that can be flown as medium OR high power:
> http://www.apogeerockets.com/Rocket_Kits/Skill_Level_3_Kits/Hi-Tech
> http://www.apogeerockets.com/Rocket_Kits/Skill_Level_3_Kits/Sumo
>
>
> Tweeks
> p.s. I'm really tired.. so if I missed anything.. plz.. one of you members
> pop
> in. :)
> _______________________________________________
> NRVR mailing list
> NRVR at nrvr.org
> http://nrvr.org/mailman/listinfo/nrvr
>
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