Ive been kicking around the idea lately of how to use a model rocket engine to lift a small plane into the air. I figure Ive got a few weeks left of frozen lakes to safely test one of these out, so I want to give it a go.

I want to build a small glider. Im thinking no bigger than 3ft ws. I want small because I want to use the smallest rocket motors possible. DollarTree foam board will be the material. I also have some carbon fiber arrows from walmart. I will look to fiberglassing the fuse/wing for strength.

The first thing I want to do is build the glider as a glider. I would like to get the CG of the glider set and be able to give it a good toss and have the controls work. After that I can figure out launch methods for the model rocket engine. Im not to interested in the flight times as of yet. If I can get this thing lifted up and beable to spend a few minutes gliding back down, thats a win for me.

Originally Posted by hot glue

Ive been kicking around the idea lately of how to use a model rocket engine to lift a small plane into the air. I figure Ive got a few weeks left of frozen lakes to safely test one of these out, so I want to give it a go.

I want to build a small glider. Im thinking no bigger than 3ft ws. I want small because I want to use the smallest rocket motors possible. DollarTree foam board will be the material. I also have some carbon fiber arrows from walmart. I will look to fiberglassing the fuse/wing for strength.

The first thing I want to do is build the glider as a glider. I would like to get the CG of the glider set and be able to give it a good toss and have the controls work. After that I can figure out launch methods for the model rocket engine. Im not to interested in the flight times as of yet. If I can get this thing lifted up and beable to spend a few minutes gliding back down, thats a win for me.

You may want to begin here:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Rocket-powered-glider/
http://www.jonrocket.com/EDMONDS.html
http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/est/est2186.htm
https://www.discountrocketry.com/-c-...2ded2d8635dac8
http://www.randrmodelaircraft.com/Delta%20Star.htm


ApachePilot

Estes produced a rocket powered airplane kit about 10 years ago, called the Strato Blaster. It could be powered with Estes rocket motor or a Cox .049 motor module. Mine is hanging on the wall behind my monitor.

Manual here -- http://www.spacemodeling.org/jimz/estes/est2090.pdf

Video of flight as designed here --

Estes StratoBlaster Flight in McDonough, GA (1 min 54 sec)

Video of modified plane here --

Estes Strato Blaster R/C Plane (2 min 6 sec)

TonyS