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Kevlar Pads to protect chutes

Hello, I am working on several "small" Estes rockets with my son and need info on the Kevlar pads available from Giantleap Rockets in particular. I have some and I was wondering how much to trim off to fit the rockets properly and still proctect the chutes? I am waiting to hear from Ed at Giantleap on this question as well. I wondered about real world experiences too. I have a Big Daddy that is 3" in diameter and a Phoenix that is about 2.5" in diameter. I also have some smaller rockets that are about 1.25" to 1.5" in dia. to maybe use some Nomex sheets in.

As far as the Big Daddy and the Phoenix rockets I would like to know what size Kevlar pad to use? I have two pieces about 5"X7.5" and some larger octagonal pieces about 8.5-9.5" diameter in size and a larger piece about

12" diameter in size.

My thoughts were to have the larger piece for the larger rocket but it seems too big.

Any thoughts will help.

Thanks, Chris

Reply to
Chris Rose
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Several thoughts, Chris. On some of the Estes rockets, you're working with a relativly narrow (1 inch or less) dia body tube. You may find it hard to wrap a chute in nomex and get it to expell regularly. If you can wrap the chute and get it to slide out easily, then the smallest piece of nomex that covers the chute with on layer is fine. If it gets too tight this way, try tying the nomex to the shock cord down a ways from the chute. Use the nomex as permanent wadding, stuffing it in before the rest of the SC or chute. On the Phoenix and bigger rockets, a 6-8 inch dia protector is fine. I would use it on an E flight first though. An estes D will give you less altitude and the chute may not unwrap in time. You will need to learn that (wrapping) either from trial and error experience or hands on learnin' from a vet.

steve

Reply to
standard

Doug Pratt has these for small rockets already. Check his web site.

Bob Kaplow NAR # 18L TRA # "Impeach the TRA BoD" >>> To reply, remove the TRABoD!

Reply to
Bob Kaplow

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