Blog

GIGA V – Fin brackets

During the pandemic in 2020-21 it became clear that in order to get a new design fin bracket machined I was getting too dependent on external factors. Hence the decision was made to become self-sufficient with the conversion of a manual HBM BF 25 / G0704 mill/drill into a full blown DIY CNC milling machine.

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SARON Launch Day 28-05-2021

On Friday 28-05-2021, LD and myself set out to launch the Intimidator 5 on what I think is it’s 8th flight but frankly lost count a bit and not all flights were properly documented on this site. Weather was mostly sunny, little to no wind from the N-NE direction. Launch rail was set at 32°

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BOOSTAR-TWO / GIGA IV – all-up test

On 24.09.2020 we tested to see whether the BOOSTAR-TWO and the GIGA IV would fit together in the launch rail and to prevent unpleasant integration surprises at the LRE. Espcially orientation of equipment and launch buttons are critical. All went well and within the hour the BOOSTAR-TWO / GIGA IV were erected and lowered from

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GIGA IV – Head end ignition

Stainless steel head end igniter body from the GIGA III flight was re-furbished. For high altitude ignition the fuse head igniter was dipped in a slurry of BKNO3 viton aceton and left to dry. 3gr RIO/CuO/Mg thermite charge in heat shrink tubing as initial igniter. Booster ignition charge on top of monolithic grain consiting of

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