Spin stablized rockets

[ActiveA]

Well I've been wanting to start making spin stablizing rockets for a while now and I've only had a few successful stinger missiles go right, all the rest have spun around on the ground.

 

I've been wanting to make Z-bombs for a while now, I'm pretty much ready to commit to making them, i only have a few questions;

 

-What fuels are suitable to use in a Z-bomb (I'm thinking chrysanthemum 8)?

 

-Whats the best size for a small time pyro in tube diameter (1/4, 1/2, 3/4) for a small time pyrotechnican.

 

-I've read its quite difficult to launch a Z-bomb without it coming out and simply spinning on the ground, what is the best way to launch a Z-bomb pretty much at 90 degrees?

 

-Are whistling Z-bombs possible?

 

 

Any information is helpful, thanks.

[cplmac]

Definitely use a launch pin off of a stable platform. I'll check with a buddy of mine who has done a good amount of 6lb stinger building, I seem to remember him building whistle fueled stingers which IIRC had a tendency to CATO more often than not.

[KAP]

I have made quite a few 3lb stingers, 70-20-10 formulation will work fine for green mix, I used 80 mesh charcoal and airfloat with some spherical titanium. Nice rooster tail effect.

Be sure to use waterglass at the side vent, if the casing burns through it loses thrust and spin stability ,and ends up on neighbors roofs or the cow pasture.

Definitly launch off a pin or nail, I pound a 16D through a 1x6 platform and no problems. Nail size depends on the nozzle diameter, you want space for thrust in the core of the engine.

 

KAP

[ActiveA]

Thanks.

 

 

My first Z-bomb was a headhunter...

 

 

It missed me by maybe 2m?

 

 

I gotta get them right...

[KAP]

Yeah, I had one land on a little old ladys roof four years back then the burst charge want off with burnig stars all over. Total panic.

No fires though, I got a ladder to make sure.

After that I used a few drops of waterglass at the side vent.

I am still gun shy of them.

Also remember that if you put a nice payload on one it should not be loose, they favor the out of balance condition and fly wild also.

[ActiveA]

For a 3/4' ID 3' Z-Bomb what size payload is ok?

 

 

Thanks.

[lnstantkarma]

For a 3/4' ID 3' Z-Bomb what size payload is ok?

 

 

Thanks.

This is good, I just started spin stabilized rockets with the same dimensions. I use standard BP with or without 10% metal for fuel. As for the header I usually leave a cavity of about 1/2-3/4 in after the delay, thats plenty for a report or some flying fish fuse but if you want something bigger I have thought about putting a another tube on the end so I'ld have an extra inch or so. I don't think weight is a huge issue (as long as it's around 1-6g) but the important thing is the payload has to be symmetrical or the rocket will be unstable.

[Mumbles]

It is hard to give a definitive answer. My best advice would be to attach inert headers filled with cat litter, and see how much they can handle. It depends a lot on your propellant and material quality, building style, and dimensions. I'd say for an all around good quality stinger, 15-20g header would not be out of the question.

[ActiveA]

Ok thanks.

 

 

 

I'm out of 3/4' tubes.

 

 

I've ordered 50 but pyrosupplies.moonfruit.com are taking their time with my delivery.

 

Its been a week and a half almost.

 

 

Getting pissed, my friend ordered on the same day and his chems arrived 5 days ago.