The onboard videocam caught the critical moment of synchronized ignition: three lit motors at the tips, and the red igniter retainer popping off the central motor.
My son’s scratch-built rocket had a perfect flight, and boy was it complex: Four motors. RF tracking. Redundant computer and delay-grain parachute ejection events. Data logging HCX computer that ignites the central motor right after takeoff.
This was our third attempt to get all four motors to ignite, which is particularly difficult as the 54mm CTI “Long-Burn Red Lighting” motor in the center is very different from the three Aerotech MetalStorm motors on the fin tips. Prior attempts involved hold down clamps to try to assure that a lopsided motor configuration wouldn’t send the rocket off the rail like a crazy train.
Using the flight computer to light the one odd motor worked beautifully. Screen grab sequence below.
And here’s the video from ground and camera on rocket. Make sure the sound is up. Who knew she became a screaming banshee taking a thrill ride….
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