Sport and High Power Rocketry
As AIRFest 24 nears, I am packing my tools, expendables, rockets, and equipment in preparation for the launch weekend. AIRFest 24 runs from August 31, 2018 to September 3, 2018. Hundreds of flyers will be attending the event. I will be launching my Level Tripoli Certification candidate, BOTC84; an AeroTech Cheetah; and a LOC Precision Minnie Magg. It has taken quite a bit work getting ready for AIRFest 24. 
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This post will discuss the completion of the BOTC84 launch and recovery subsystems. It covers items such as launch rails, shear pins, body connections, parachute deployment tests, and rigging.
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Blue Tube is finished just about the same way as fiberglass or paper bodies with one exception. Dave Ebersole at Always Ready Rocketry recommends sealing the tube with a sanding sealer. His recommendation is Cabot Sanding Sealer and I used that for the BOTC84 finishing.
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The BOTC84 motor mount and fin can will be of a standard construction with a total of three centering rings. The fins will be attached with the through-the-wall method. Fillets will be made at the motor mount, inside the body tube, and outside the body tube.
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The BOTC84 Electronics Bay is a standard bay constructed of Blue Tube coupler that fits inside of the main body tube. The rest of the structure is aircraft grade plywood of various thicknesses. The Tripoli Level 3 certification rules stipulate redundant deployment electronics. I will be using a Altus Metrum TeleMega 3.0 for the primary and a PerfectFlite StratologgerCF as the backup.
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The LOC Precision Removable Nose Weight System requires more construction but the end results are worth it. If your rocket is unstable, this system will help you get the center-of-gravity farther forward. In the case of the BOTC84, the system will be used to house tracking electronics as the nosecone will be recovered under a separate parachute. Instructions can be downloaded here. So, let’s get on with the BOTC84 nosecone build.
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