Two weeks ago at SSS Spring Fling launch, the ARC (Arizona Rocketry Consortium) Team flight tested our first prototype on the way to building a 1/2 Scale NASA MLAS (Mass Launch Abort System). Our goal in this first model was to simulate flight characteristics of the vehicle itself as well as the canted cluster configuration. Early on we also decided to add to the difficulty level by simulating drag separation of the Capsule and Shroud as well.

The shroud on this model is not to scale as we already had it turned prior to receiving all of the "actual scale data" for the NASA vehicle.

The prototype left the pad nicely but ultimately arced over and impacted under power. During the ensuing loop of instability, the shroud did separate and the command module drag separated as planned from the shroud returning under chute.


Canted motor configuration as well as shroud lines which bring the motor cage in upside down under chute. Motor choice for this flight was D12-3's.



Motor Cage and Coast Skirt. One thing that cannot be seen is we ducted the ejection charges into two pairs, one to separate motor cage from coast skirt and the remaining two to separate the Capsule and Shroud from the coast skirt.



Motor Cage, Coast Skirt, Capsule and Shroud ready for assembly



Rick McKee showing the location of the 12oz of noseweight



Team ARC Left to Right: Tom Seemeyer, Rick McKee, Shon Michael. We have some additional "Super Geeks" coming on board down the road to help electronics, deployment as well as the overall construction of the 1/2 scale. Luckily for me, goofy hats are not part of the required dress code.



All prototypes and the 1/2 scale will have a center launch lug. Running straight through the foam proved to be a bad idea without a central lug as it stuck a bit but worked for this test.

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Arizona Rocket Consortium's "MLAS Project"

MLAS Photos

Flight pictures





All four lit by Q2G2 Igniters







Starting to lean a bit. Apparently Rocsim was off on the nose weight but the wind gusts could not have helped.

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Arizona Rocket Consortium's "MLAS Project"

MLAS Photos

And She's over











The capsule did separate and landed under chute

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Arizona Rocket Consortium's "MLAS Project"

MLAS Photos

Built well, no damage. Here you can see the ducted ejection ports for the Capsule and Shroud.



Isis the Rocket Dog Mascot checks for damage



I call this: "Pondering with caffeine" A few tweeks and she'll fly again shortly. Work has already begun on our 24" prototype.

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Arizona Rocket Consortium's "MLAS Project"

MLAS Photos

Some new progress and pics on the blog.

Arizona Rocket Consortium's "MLAS Project"

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Arizona Rocket Consortium's "MLAS Project"

MLAS Photos