07-07-2011, 10:33 AM
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U.S. Manned Space Program Buff
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Houston
Posts: 1,298
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For one of the best web-based explanation of rocket motor classifications:
http://www.thrustcurve.org/motorstats.shtml
Attached is a motor comparison between the C5 and C6.
The C5 (green line in the graph) has a higher initial thrust spike (significantly), so it can lift more due to that. The sustain level is about the same after the spike, just a tad shorter.
By my calcs, the average thrust of the C5 is actually a little higher.
So, if you have a rocket that is marginal on a C6, a C5 would be better.
Greg
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