Build Your Own Saturn V

Illbay writes "Space.com has a great story about a company in Colorado that has introduced an incredibly detailed scale model of the Saturn V rocket booster that flies a lot like the real thing! Apogee Components has "taken the time to research the actual vehicles and then used that information correctly in creating the kits," with a scientist from the team that designed the Delta 2 rocket on staff. I remember the old Estes model rocket version of the Saturn V back in the 60s, but they were not very detailed and very difficult to get to fly properly. Looks like Apogee might have a winner."

Comments

Not for long

[igabe]

URGENT NEWS ABOUT MODEL ROCKETRY!

The new Homeland Security Act has many provisions that threaten rocketry in the United States. Both small rockets and high power models are affected. We need your help to make rocketry legal again. Please write your State's Senator now. Click Here for more information.

If the video on that page becomes slashdotted, go here

Mirror

[mrwonton]

Here's a mirror for you

Model Rocketry Is In Trouble

[MountainLogic]

The office of home land paranoia is really doing it's best toshut down this kind of hobby. See here for more details.

More impressed with High powered rockets.

[zymano]

Real rockets for big boys

Please Help Save Model Rocketry

[physicsnerd]

For more info on what's going on and how you can help go to:

http://www.saverocketrynow.org/

Re:Reasons why I'm not impressed:

[feronti]

Obviously you're not a model rocketeer:) There are several reasons for using solid rocket motors in this kit:

1. This kit (I'm assuming; can't get to the site:) is aimed at non-high power certified members of the NAR (National Association of Rocketry) and TRA (Tripoli Rocketry Association). Non-solid non-premanufactured engines are not allowed for these classes of member at events sanctioned by either, and using them on your own is a good way to get your insurance cancelled. At Level 1 certification in either organization, you can use hybrids, but you still can't use experimental engines. IIRC, NAR does not allow experimental engines at any cert level, and TRA only allows it at Level 3.
2. Regulatory reasons. As others have mentioned, the Homeland Security Act is very tough on the hobby. Even without that, FAA regs make flying a liquid-fueled experimental engine very difficult, IIRC.

That said, I do have to agree about the other 2... especially if that single stage isn't a 5-engine cluster:)

Here is a image

[ludky132]

Here is another scale replica of the Saturn V for anyone who doesnt know what it looks like.

not really a jet

[rebelcool]

a real jet takes air and compresses it and explodes it with a fuel mixture.

that said, there *are* RC jets. They're hideously expensive and tempermental and so fast as to be very difficult to fly. Only extremely experienced fanatics can build and fly them.

This company builds actual micro jet engines.

Rocket Simulation Software is also available

[shancock]

I've been into model rocketry for about two years now with my 12 year old son. It is great fun for both of us. Like most other hobbies, it can be approached from many levels with equal enjoyment. We got the rocket simulation software (Rock Sim) from Apogee last year. It allows you to build model rockets on the software (3D) (using standard parts from hobby stores) and test their flight and return to earth (just as important in models as in real rockets). You can then save and print out the details. There is a demo available on Apogees' site.

Our problem has been in finding good places to launch. We get rained out alot from local rocket club launches and its hard to find places to shoot on our own. We sometimes sneak over to nearby schools with their large playgrounds early on Sunday mornings to launch. Risky in post 9/11 USA.

Going to local rocket club launches is also fun. Not only can you shoot your own rockets off but you can watch the big and experimental rockets launching.

A good source of beginner rockets and hybrid motors for the big boys is Pratt Hobbies. www.pratthobbies.com.

blueprints are not lost

[fredmosby]

according to this page