Launch Report, by Roy P.

Day 0: Thursday, 08.29.2013
Jay, Greg and Roy arrived on the field Thursday afternoon and began to set up the prep area. The Just Boys from Tucson got in and we pulled them in next to us. We had the chance to see some old friends. The Wildman started cooking up some killer steak sandwiches.

JPC_0001

Day 1: Friday, 08.30.2013
Friday rolled in and we finished up setting everything up and started some prep on the Alpha and caught up with some more old friends. The rest of the team arrived in Argonia as well; young'uns from the north and rest of the AZ gang. 

Day 2: Saturday, 08.31.2013
We finished up prepping the Alpha, got it out to the pad and upright. It was getting hot and muggy out.

After we sent Bondo Boy to set the electronics and un-hook the support straps we were ready to press the button. We were also pressed for time to get the bird off the ground to be able to make the RSO duties. We opted not to get a group picture. 

JPC_0086 Post launch picture   

The up was beautiful, but due to some fin flutter and massive size of the fins, they ended up schredding on ascent. The nosecone and fin can made it back down on Susan's Blue cutes without any issue. It was safe and no one was hurt! We learned a few things so we are ok with the outcome. In reality, we had planned on scrapping everything but the fin can after the launch anyways and we got that and the expensive parts back.

JPC7_0046AAlpha launch JPC7_0056Fin shred JPC7_0070

After the Alpha flew, several of us help out on range duty for a few hours. We were able to catch the Venus Probe launch that happened shortly after lunch.

Venus Probe Drag Race

Then it was time to disassemble the Alpha, yes there was some to take apart then we started prepping the N'osquito and then Scrambler.

Day 3: Sunday, 09.01.2013
We got out to the field early and were trying to beat the weather that was rolling in. The hard part was finding Troj and having him verify and sign the payload!!!

JPC_0032

We got both of them out to the pads and set up next to each other as it was starting to rain. After a few real quick pictures (which we did not get with the Alpha) it was time to put these in the sky.
 

The first of the two was the N'osquito which had a great flight to about 1800' with parachutes coming out at the top and almost stuck the landing, dang uneven farm fields!

Since this was his first N motor, Roy was real happy with the flight. =)

JPC_0112 JPC7_0021 JPC7_0074

As soon as the N'osquito landed (since it floated right over the pads) we lofted a 4 pound ostrich egg in the Scrambler to an altitude of 2552' and landed it nice and soft without damage to the rocket, the egg or Roy.

JPC_0109 JPC7_0092 JPC7_0160 JPC_0119 JPC_0138A

After all that, Greg and Kris helped the Just Boys get there 10" Thor off. Roy provided a wimpy red K939 for their 4"Thor was kicked it up there good. According to the preliminary data it went about 7,500' and broke Mach.

JPC7_0273 JPC7_0303
With the time and the weather we have opted not to fly the Mean Machine so we could have today to watch a few flights. The Purdue kids had to leave early to return back to school, so all that was left was the build AZ build team to enjoy some BRAUMS!

JPCSD_0012After a day of successful flights, it was time for some BRAUMS!

Day 4: Monday, 09.02.2013
This was the final day of the launch. It was spent saying farewells and planning for next year. Roy and Jay had to roll out earlier to make the trek back to AZ, so what was left was the three stooges.

JPCSD_0015Then there were 3...
Enjoying a last night of good food and laughs at Granite City Food & Brewery.

Thank you KLOUDBUSTERS!! See you again next year!