Composite HP clustering and staging at Geneseo
Due to the geographic proximities of not only the National Warplane Museum with its vintage aircraft, but also the college campus of Geneseo and the prison, we have certain unique limitations that other fields don’t have.
Previously no composite HP clustering/staging was allowed.
In order to allow a progression of both knowledge and psychomotor skills, the board of directors has decided to allow restricted composite HP clustering and staging to determine if this can be safely done within the limitations we have at this site.
All fliers wishing to fly either composite HP clustered or staged rockets must complete our BFR form, and submit it prior to the launch along with a Rocksim or Open Rocket simulation for the Geneseo site to our BFR committee. After committee review the flier will be notified if approved/rejected.
If you show up with a rocket that you have not preregistered, your flight will be allowed only at the discretion and approval of both the BFR Manager and the RSO.
All composite HP clustered and staged flights will be limited to a maximum altitude of 9,000 ft AGL. All must be flown off a rail.
Note: BP clustered/staged rockets are exempt from these requirements unless their combined propellant falls in the HP range.
Specific requirements for composite clusters:
- All must use commercially made E-matches as the primary ignition source for each motor, and include details about any secondary pyrogens used.
- E-matches to be used in a harness are to be individually measured for resistance. E-matches should match within 10%. Others outside of that range are not to be used for the intended flight.
- E-matches must be wired in parallel.
- The rocket must be capable of a maximum of a 5-1 thrust to weight ratio with all engines ignited, a 4-1 ratio with one engine failing to ignite, and a 1-1 ratio in the event 2 engines fail to ignite
- You may not use a configuration that includes a central motor larger than 2 designations compared to surrounding motors, i.e. a central J with surrounding H’s is fine, but a central K with surrounding H’s is not.
- All composite clusters must be flown from a rail even the newer Quest/Aerotech A-E motors.
Specific requirements for composite multi staging:
- Must use electronics that are capable of detecting, and set to prevent staging beyond 10 degrees of vertical.
- Timers will not be allowed
- Maiden flights will not be allowed. The flier must have at least previously flown the sustainer and attached booster in a one stage configuration successfully.