Need your input on the next 3 Dogs kit

[John A. WilkeParticipant]

Gents, I’m toying with a number of ideas for the next 3 Dogs kit. Some things I’m toying with:

– another minimum diameter, this time 38mm
– 75mm airframe, minimum diameter (doubtful – small market)
– 75mm airframe w/ 54mm motor mount. This would be based on my rocket “Bloodhound” that I’ve flown many times out there
– 54mm airframe, 38mm motor mount, specifically designed to do 1 mile and 2 mile flights. I’d call it “Milestone”, so no one else use that name please 🙂
– 38mm airframe, 29mm motor mount

I’d like to hear thoughts on things like fin jigs, the nifty bulkheads that I’m now using (airframe on one face, coupler on the other, cut from same piece of G10), etc. I’m trying to put a lot of neat stuff into each kit, not just 3 fins and a nosecone…

Suggestions?

[Chad]

So here’s a quick graphic analysis of the geometry of your lineup John:
http://files.me.com/chadair/kljw46
💡
It would be nice to see some lighter/smaller rockets that performed well on sub $50 motors and didn’t require tracking for a reliable recovery. Additionally, most flyers launch of out fields not as grand at the Pawnee Grasslands- I think the altitudes that most of your rockets achieve might scare a few people. The single deploy Dark Star and Drago from your competitors seem popular.

Of what you mentioned, I like the 29mm MMT with 38mm airframe the most. Even better if it had a V-K nosecone and slimline metal tailcone.

Milestone sounds great— a slicker version of your Little Dog DD. I’d buy one but I already have something similar.

Finally, it would be neat to see a rocket with a unique fin design and maybe a long tapered tailcone. I’m thinking “Talon” only better.

Chad

[Bruce R. Schaefer]

John, again, you exceed our expectations! Way to go, my friend!

[John A. WilkeParticipant]

Thanks to you both, Chad and Bruce! Chad, I liked your graphic… that was cool.

The issue with a smaller rocket is that it is hard to pack it full of goodies due to a price point issue – that said, it has some allure to me. I’ll think on that.

I’d like to do 3 or 4 kits per year. If/when the 75mm VK cone goes gelcoat, it will be compelling to do something in that arena. Soon? Hard to tell – my supplier can be… a challenge! If or when he does come through, I’ll just bring in ~40 cones and I’ll be good to go. That is why I have a storage unit 8)

[edwardModerator]

I vote for 75mm w/54mm mount. Something light that has a long enough motor mount for some hybrids and longer solid 54’s.

Edward

[Jeffrey Joe HintonModerator]

I’d almost prefer something short and stubby that doesn’t disappear from sight like the Gizmo or a WILKE WONKA WOCKET, in a 38 or 54.

[MikeSModerator]

a two stage would be nice. but the market may be thin.

[John A. WilkeParticipant]

I vote for 75mm w/54mm mount. Something light that has a long enough motor mount for some hybrids and longer solid 54’s.

Edward

That is sort of where I’m leaning now. One note – it helps out a *lot* if I can keep the airframes to 44″ or under.. both on the supply and cost of goods side, as well as shipping. 48″ airframes won’t fit into a 48″ box, so the box size has to jump up, which in turn is really, really hard on shipping costs.

I’m thinking of 3″ diameter rocket with a 44″ booster section with a 22″ upper section with a nice PML tailcone / motor retainer… 54mm motor mount. That makes a nice kit that would be good for L2s and could also handle anything 54mm that is currently on the market. You’d get 12-13K on the L730 or slightly less with the K660. That should allow for motors to ~40″ long for the hybrid guys, too…

[edwardModerator]

I know 3 fins are the rage, but I like the patriot style 4 finned rockets also. Just that look to them 🙂

Edward

[Steve JensenParticipant]

Just to be different. Three inch diameter over a 54mm MT with 5 small fins. I’ll have it ready by MHM and we’ll see if it’s worth squat.

It’s just fun, but I think it will do fine on one of the new greenies. I built it aiming at the 5 grain Pro 54 greenie K490 with a 4.1 second burn time.

It has a boat tail. The fins are one caliber up from the end, per your suggestion.

And I have a little e-bay up front for my DC-30.

Could be a medium altitude intermediate rocket. I’m shooting to break 10 K with it. Not a record buster. Just fun. (At least to me).

People with smaller fields could be interested too.

I’m building it with parts from Three Dogs Rocketry!

[Author]

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