Large/High Performance Rocket Advance Notification
What is a Large/High Performance Rocket at NSL-West?
Large/High Performance Rockets typically can create added flight concerns and require additional time to review before flight. To ensure flight safety and expedite Large/High Performance Rocket processing the NSL-West safety personnel ask that you coordinate the flight of your Large/High Performance Rocket with them in advance of the NSL-West event.
At NSL-West we will define a Large/High Performance Rocket as any of the following:
- Installed total impulse greater than 5,120 Newton-seconds; this may be a single “M” class or larger motor, or a combination of motors in clusters and/or stages that exceeds 2,560 Newton-seconds (“L” motor equivalent).
- Any FAA Class 2 rocket whose predicted performance will exceed 90% of the waiver altitude (12,150 feet is the 90% limit).
- Any rocket that will require a launch rail longer than 12 feet and/or larger than 1515 rail.
- Any rocket (model rocket impulse classes included) that relies on electronic stability systems or contains active flight control electronics (e.g. air brakes).
Do I have to register my rocket as a Large or High Performance?
Yes, if your rocket fits the above definitions. NSL-West is a big event and we need to have a good idea what to expect to support them and you! If you show up with a rocket that you have not pre-registered, your flight may only be allowed only at the discretion of the RSO. Sooner is better than later for notification.
General Guidelines
- Provide simulation files (Open Rocket preferred) showing basic rocket characteristics and expected flight performance, especially if flights are anticipated to approach the 90% altitude limit.
- If you are bringing you own large or unique launch pad we would like to know.
- If flying a high power cluster we would like to know the number of motors and type of igniters to establish confidence that the launch system will reliably ignite all motors.
- If flying a high power, multi-stage rocket we would like to know about your staging method and electronics. Does the rocket have a “lock-out” if it deviates significantly from vertical flight? We also want to plan an isolated preparation area for upper stage igniter installations.
- Dual redundant deployment electronics, including separate power sources, switches, logic boards, and energetics, are highly recommended for any rockets having a total installed impulse in excess of 5,120 Newton-seconds (“M” motor equivalent)
- Current planning is to provide a “roving” RSO/check-in officer for Large/High Performance Rockets to minimize handling and transportation of these models. The roving officer will come to your pits as required during rocket assembly or following preparation for flight.
Contact
Provide requested data to:
Stephen Lubliner
stephenlubliner@compuserve.com
520-664-6898