There are two magnetic slides. Each contains two rare earth magnets.  Each slide attaches to a rare earth magnet that is attached to the inside of the rocket body.  At launch the slides are pulled along by the magnets inside of the rocket.  Once the slides hit the stop at the top of the rod, the rocket slides off of the slides with very little effort.

        MAGNETS USED: GRI MAGNETS: www.grisk.com
Size:  .75" Diameter

The Magnetic Lugless Launch System
( System Below launched 15 rockets to date)

Magnetic Slides Attached to Graduator Rocket (note: Graduator has two identical rare earth magnets attached inside of body):

Graduator launched on magnetic slides.

     7 lbs. Rocket Below Launched Using Magnetic Slide System           

 15 lbs. V2 Below Launched Using Magnetic Slide System

 First Test of Magnetic Slide Launch System on a D12.

EVOLUTION OF MAGNETIC SLIDES
RAIL

The rail version has taken awhile to develop. The biggest problem was finding the right material and the optimal placement of the rail buttons. Also, quick replacement was a requirement. The slide has to be simple enough in design to be readily replaced on the filed in less than 30 minutes.  Balsa struts were selected as the main component because of its light weight and ability to absorb the shock that comes when the slides come to the end of the rail, the material is easy to work with, the material is non-toxic and biodegradable. The photos show how the same slides can be used on small rockets too. The slides will support up to 100 pounds. The main advantage to using magnetic slides is that the rocket can be mounted on the rail vertically on the rail and not have to be hoisted up placing a lot of stress on the airframe.  The video below shows a 12 pound rocket taking off on magnetic slides attached to a 10' BlackSky rail powered by a AMW K670.