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GHS 2007
We usually
forget to get a group picture, so here we are
gathered in the garage.
No wounds or serious burns are yet visible.
Day 1: Friday before GHS 2007
We started the weekend
working on a flashpan ignition scheme to
light 7 C6 motors in Brad's Beefed Up and Burly Big Daddy.
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After several tries we got
it right. See the video [HERE]. As you can see,
the combined motor thrust obliterated the
bottom of the pan
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We planned to launch all three of these
configurations; the motor mount for each are
shown left to right
G64, 7x C6, 4xE9
As you see here, Brad built interchangeable motor mounts for each cluster configuration. It was an interesting challenge, and he has flown each one at least one time (successfully) but never all three in a single day.
He laments that it would probably make more sense to build three different Big Daddys, each with a different motor scheme -- that way each could be trimmed with the right nose weight. With this configuration there is too much monkeying around.
Rick also displays his aspirations to become a hand model, artfully perfecting his craft by enticing the camera with a tin of potted meat. No other explanations will be forthcoming.
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GHS 2007 Day Two: At the Launch
Huge turn out for GHS 2007!
How many pointy heads to do you see in this picture?
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As usual,our goofy
rockets draw the most admirers.
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Grandma Lucy on a
Aerotech K695 Redline
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How high did it go?
Check out the Video Here
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By chance I caught this motor fly through
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I'm glad it was somebody else's rocket!
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Brad and Mark set the Burly Big Daddy on the pad.
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Brad's Burly Big Daddy on a G64
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 I was lucky to
catch two frames on the way up.
At right, Mark chases after the rocket
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 The Son of Robo Halloweerner
shortly before launch
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 Great flight up, but we
suffered a deployment failure on the way
down. Click [HERE] to look at the
video, you can even hear the 'thud' when it
hits.
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Going Up!
Coming Down!
Like father, like son. It doesn't end
pretty.
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 This big purple
Level 3 attempt was the highlight of the day.
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Rick assumes his best beauty pagent pose with the Evil
Grimace. those knees are very strategically
placed.
Above: Screen captures from the Grimace Launch video.
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Perfect flight for the Evil Grimace on an Aerotech
Green Mohave J500 motor (this was a new motor
in 2007). Check out those Mach Diamonds!
Click Here for the Video
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 A flawless
recovery is always a nice ending
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 Somebody's BSD
Thor at take off.
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 This belonged to a Jr Level
One Cert flyer at the launch. it was a nice
flight.
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Brad and Mark are prepping the 4*E9
configuration. Unfortunately, one of the
motors CATO'ed and consumed the whole rocket.
I guess I was more responsible by running out
and extinguishing the fire instead of trying
to take pictures, so go back to this video [HERE] to get an idea
what it looked like.
Since the rocket burned up, there was no
trying the 7xC6-7 configuration.
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Brad and Mark ready Brad's Talon 3
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 Talon 3 Getting ready to rock
on J6420
Click [HERE] to look at
the video
Above: Screen capture from the video.
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As is tradition, we finished the day with chimichangas and cervecas at
¡Caramba! Mexican restaurant. This is Brad's favorite local eatery, and all of his out-of-town guests have been known to crave it every time they come to town.
We normally head over there straight from the launch without first showering off after a full day in the desert, so we tend to get the entire dining room to ourselves.
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Click [HERE!] to
return to the central index of pages
describing RTV's annual participation at GHS!
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We want your opinion, so make like a Chicago Democrat and vote early,
vote often, vote even if you are dead. However, as this is an electronic
ballot, West Palm Beach Democrats will need to find a better excuse than
hanging or pregnant chads for failing to properly fill out the form.
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© Copyright 2000-2008, Bradley Vatsaas, Richard Vatsaas, and Mark Vatsaas. All Rights Reserved.
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