Launch Report

May 08, 1999
Billings, MT

Temp: 40 to 45 degrees.
Wind: 5 to 10 mph
Where: BLM land at 17 mile marker

Flights in order
Rocket Motor
Vaughn Bros. Javelin 4.0 J180-T
Estes Alpha III C6-5
Rocket R&D 4" Sandhawk J415-W
Estes Silver Comet (#2) G33-7J
Estes Terrier/Sandhawk E30-7T
Rocket R&D 4" Sandhawk J570-W
Aerotech Arcas H180-10W
Vaughn Bros. Javelin 4.0 J350-W

Highlights
This was the second launch of Tripoli Montana, and I launched with Paul Mazel and Andy Meteer. We flew for 6.5 hours, and had an good time despite the cool weather. I first flew my Javelin on a J180-T, and dual deployment worked but the main deployed early (nose cone too loose). The IA-X96 reported 3388 feet, 5.8 G's and 285 max MPH. Leah and I then flew the Alpha on a C6-5. Next was the initial flight of the 4" Sandhawk on a J415-W. It had a nice flight, but the main chute deployed early (nose cone too loose). The Missile Works RRC2 reported 4124 feet for the highest flight of the day. Grant's Silver Comet #2 was next with a G33-7J for another nice flight. I then flew the Estes Terrier/Sandhawk on an E30-7T. It had a nice corkscrew flight and good delay. I prepped the 4" Sandhawk again and launched it on a J570-W for another good flight. It really took off! The main chute again deployed early from the nose cone being too loose. The RRC2 reported 2616 feet. My last flight was the Javelin again on a J350-W for another nice flight. Dual deployment worked as planned (finally!), and the IA-X96 reported 2859 feet, 11.0 G's and 303 max MPH.

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