M Powered Raptor III
Launched on Magnetic Slides

Close Up of Raptor III in Flight

Data:

1. Changes - Reinforced fins with 1.5 oz of Carbon Fiber Cloth.

2. Onboard Electronics: Missile Works RRC2, Emmanuel Avionics, Watson Beacon, S.W.T. Alpha Beacon

3. Weight With Ellis M Motor and Casing: 29 pounds.

4. Altitude Reached: 15,000

5. Mach heard 7.5 seconds into flight as simulation program had calculated - time for sound to travel distance rocket at when sound barrier broke factored in. Estimated speed: 963 mph.

Problems:

1. Motor chuffed about 5 feet into lift off then powered full up. The rocket left the pad too slow before picking up speed. Raptor III rolled into the wind and stabilized at about 25 degrees from the launch angle of 0 degrees.

2. Projections are for a deployment of Raptor III flying at the angle above have the chute deploying at 252 mph over the Atlantic Ocean - 4.5 miles down wind.

3. Beacon went dead. Rocket lost.

UPDATE:

Raptor III has been found and returned after three years. It was found approximately three miles from the firing range. The drogue managed to deploy and was shredded, but the drag seems to have been sufficient to pull out the main. The electronic beacon had been attached to the line tethered to the drogue. It seems that the twisting was so severe that the beacon was blown off the line leaving the antenna behind. The tape holding the beacon was torn outward and the antenna was twisted into a knot. It seems the line from the drogue had tangled with the swivel such that the line could not spin freely. One fin was gone it seems from the impact of the landing and another severely damaged. The airframe was in tack as was the electronics bay. Unfortunately, it seems the severe Maine winters did all the electronics in. None would power up successfully.

Positives:

Raptor III held together moving at over 963 mph. The fins held and there was no flutter. The design is sound.