TSM Launch Report - August 27, 2005

The weather for the August launch was great, a little windy, but a nice day to fly a rocket at the fields of Maple Island. We also had visitors join us to check out what high powered rocketry is about. They were impressed with Andy starting off the launch with his BBXtreme flying on a K550 with a projected alititude of 4,800 feet. It was an awesome flight and the spectators watched it drift towards the earth for quite a while. As we watched it saunter towards the southeast under chute, we discussed whether we might be in a plank recover situation. But, as it approached the open arms of the earth, we were stunned to see it disappear into a wooded thicket a significant distance away. Andy had his radio tracker and after a long trek with Gary out into the thicket, they were aghast learn that a rocket eating tree gobbled it up. They were appalled to see it dangling about 80 feet above the ground. Andy looked quite somber for the rest of the afternoon and I do not think that a rendition of 'tie a Limper rocket round that ol' oak tree' helped matters. We were lucky to snap a picture of Andy out at the recovery site and we hope he is able to return his rocket from the clutches of the tree.

Craig flew his Eclipse on a J350. Craig returned to the August launch after a harrowing experience recovering his Mantis after the July launch. Folks were concerned about him at the August launch, it seemed as though he might have been in the corn too long. A common ailment, Post Rocket Loss Corn Syndrome. He looked to have all the signs, blank expression, traumatized smile, and hyper extended launch rod angle. Here is a picture of Craig and 2 visitors at the launch, note the angle of his Eclipse. The angle might seem extreme, but by the time he was satisfied to launch, it was angled even further and I am sure folks on I35 were startled to see a rocket with flames shooting overhead. Luckily the wind gods were polite and pushed the Eclipse back towards Maple Island for a nice recovery.

Tod flew his EZI on a G80 and Scott flew his Sidewinder on a D12, two very nice flights rounding out the arsenal at the August launch with some lower power coolness.

Warren flew his Mercury Redstone - and he was quite proud of the paint scheme with 'United States' in red on the body tube. I will attest the Redstone looks great and is an awesome rocket. The original Mercury 7 would be proud! This picture is the Redstone on Pad 3 with Ron's modified Nike on pad 5.

Ron flew his Nike with onboard GPS with a live data downlink. At takeoff he was uncertain if he would be getting a feed, and we hope he captured some data to share with us at the next launch. I do however believe Ron should receive the closest to SIM award, for if I remember correctly. The SIM was 4500 feet and the altimeter beeped out 4527.

The converse of the closest to SIM award should go to David and his calculations for where the Beagle might have landed from the July launch. As David made ready to search about 1,000 feet north and 300 feet west of PAD 3 in dense corn, Larry from R&M farms showed up with the Beagle in his truck. It seems that the Beagle landed across Highway 251 in a potato field. Yes, perhaps thousands of feet off, from calculated to actual location! A violent zipper was apparent on the airframe but it looks like the Beagle will fly again. Thanks again to Larry for returning the Beagle!

Our Rocket Grill Maven made a wonderful lunch for everyone, and it was just a great day out at Maple Island. Thanks to all the folks who helped set up and tear down the equipment. Look forward to seeing everyone at the September Launch!