UP1801 Model Rocket - Launch with or without Altimeter

UP1801 is a model rocket that is launched with 18mm model rocket engines and can be flown with or without an altimeter payload. Holes in the sides of the body section allow for barometric altimeter pressure equalization.

Requires model rocket launch pad, launch controller, recovery wadding, engines and igniters for flight. Recommended engines based on OpenRocket simulation are A8-3 (100 foot altitude), B6-4 (350 foot altitude), and C6-5 (900 foot altitude) with 12g Estes Altimeter. Predicted altitudes without a payload are 150, 450, and 1000 feet, respectively.

Length: 364 mm

Body Diameter: 26 mm

Print Details

Nose Section Material: PLA or PETG

Body Section Material: PLA or PETG - For C engine, use PETG to withstand ejection heat.

Tail Section Material: PLA or PETG- For C engine, use PETG to withstand engine heat.

Tail Adapter and Rear Engine Retainer Material: PETG

Layer Height: 0.20 mm

Perimeters: 4

Infill: 100%

Supports: None

Brim: None

UPDATES:

A thicker Rear Engine Retainer that can better withstand engine heat has been added. If your printer has an enclosure, consider using polycarbonate (PC) filament for this piece.

A Nose Section with a simple, thinner attachment point for the shock cord and parachute has been added.

A Tail Adapter with a thicker shock cord mount has been added.

Assembly Instructions

1. Tie about 25 cm of 100 lb Kevlar line to Tail Adapter.
2. Tie about 73 cm of small round or flat elastic cord to the free end of the Kevlar line.
3. Run the free end of the elastic cord through the Body Section from bottom to top and tie it to the Nose Section. Note that the holes in the sides of the Body Section are to be at the top.
4. Glue the Tail Adapter into the bottom of the Body Section with super glue.
5. Glue the Rear Engine Retainer into the bottom of the Tail Section with super glue.
6. Test fit the Nose Section into the Body Section. The Nose Section should not fall out if the rocket is turned upside down, but should come out easily. A small piece of tape on the Nose Section can be used to tighten a loose fit.
7. Fasten a homemade (https://www.instructables.com/Make-a-model-rocket-parachute/) or purchased 12" parachute to the Nose Section.