Blackhawk

This rocket was scratch built from plans on-line at Jim Z's site. It has an interesting dual pod structure, with a central engine compartment. Called the "Stealth fighter from the 21st Century" in the 1991 Estes catalog. Estimated to go ~800 feet on C engines.  It was sold by Estes from 1991-1993.  I used the plans available on-line to cut out the shrouds and other parts of the body from card stock printer paper, then traced and hand cut the fins from balsa.

The engine is in the center part of the body.

When the ejection charge blows on the engine, gas passes through a T junction to the right body tube, pushing out the parachute.


Here's the finished rocket on the pad, in flight (July 5, 2000) and after recovery.



The Blackhawk parachuted down in the outfield of a baseball game!


Successful recovery.  Ready to fly another day.




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