The JetBoy Rocket Motor Database
Rocket Science | June 20 2010
I have just opened the searchable database of rocket motors. I intend to eventually index all NAR motors, but for now have the range from 1/4A through E power. Check it out now!
You can take any engine in the system and compare its overall specs and thrust curve with any other engine! It's pretty neat, and it gives you an idea of, for example, how much "a C engine" can vary — even from one manufacturer.
Why's this useful information? Different rockets perform best with different thrust curves. For example, a heavier rocket gets a nice kickstart with a high-thrust motor like the C11 (in green) while a boost-glider would better use a lower-thrust, longer-burning engine like the C6 (in red). That's because the boost-glider is light but has a lot of drag; its speed builds quickly but tops out low so a long, steady burn reduces aerodynamic losses (and possible structural failure).
Photo courtesy of Aerion.
Now That’s Jet Set
News | July 22 2010
Back to the Future: New Supersonic Passenger Jet Set for Takeoff
Stupendous! Now perhaps I won't live the rest of my life having never seen a flying supersonic airliner in person....
Supersonic passenger travel was grounded in 2003 when British Airways and Air France cancelled their transatlantic Concorde service because of falling revenues and rising maintenance costs. The Aerion Supersonic Business Jet (SBJ) promises to help travelers break the sound barrier again.
Named after a fleet-of-foot horse in Greek mythology, the Aerion SBJ will be able to carry a dozen passengers at speeds of up to Mach 1.5 for more than 4,000 miles. It is currently undergoing proof-of-concept aerodynamic testing of critical components in NASA wind tunnels and under the belly of a NASA F-15 supersonic jet.
Those hardcore supersonic jet fans amongst you won't miss the similarity between this bord's wings and the F-104: this is not a coincidence. Those short stubby thin wings have superb transonic cruise efficiency, leading to high speed and relatively low cost.
Kennedy Space Center Visit Photos!
1:1 Scale | July 12 2010
View the Gallery Now!
A pilgrimage to the greatest monument to American aerospace genius.
Includes a panorama of the Saturn V... or, at least, most of it.
Also the Rocket Garden in a rainstorm, a tribute to fallen astronauts, and part of Apollo 13.
Takeoff!
Welcome | June 10 2010
About UsJetBoy Rockets is about model aviation, especially black-powder rocketry. This fun, exciting and safe sport can be enjoyed by anyone from schoolchildren on up. I flew my first rocket at the age of 12, in 1983, and have built and flown something like 120 of them since then. Unlike rocketeers, though, rocketry never gets old! |
ProjectsThe first project I am profiling is a flight conversion of a 1:48 scale plastic model F-104, starting from a Hasegawa model kit. Built carefully over a couple of weeks, the kit was beautiful but was a disappointment in flight; however, I know what the problem is and how to fix it, and I have another kit for JetBoy 2 already purchased. I'll document that one too! For now, check out the gallery! Future PlansThere are big plans as I am setting up a forum to swap tales and advice; I will publish stories about interesting models or building techniques; and I will produce plans and software later on. |