Theta 18 Aerospace Speciality Products Page 8
Flight Preparation & Launching
Remove the nose cone and streamer from the body tube and loosely insert some flame - proof
recovery wadding (such as that made by Estes or Quest) into the body tube. Use enough wadding to
fill the tube to a depth of at least one and a half body diameters (usually about three or four squares
of wadding).
Pack the streamer as you did in Step 9. Insert the shock cord, then the streamer down into the body
tube. Slide the nose cone into the body tube. Be sure to check the fit of the nose - if too tight, sand
the shoulder down - if too loose, wrap with tape. The nose cone should be loose enough to slip out
easily, but tight enough so that you can turn the model upside down without it falling out.
Select an engine from the list of recommended engines. Test fit the engine into the engine mount tube
until it meets the engine block - about 3/16" to 1/4" of the engine should be sticking out from the red
tube (be sure the nozzle end is facing out! See Figure Q). If the engine is a snug fit, simply put a wrap
of tape (either masking tape or cellophane tape) around the red tube and the exposed engine as
shown in the bottom drawing of Figure Q. Be sure the tape is well applied and the engine cannot be
easily pulled out with your fingers.
If it is not a snug fit, remove the engine and wrap some tape around the outside of the engine about
1/2" from the nozzle end as shown in the top drawing below. Test fit and add more tape if needed to
make the engine fit snugly inside the tube. Be sure the engine cannot be easily pulled out with your
fingers. If desired you can also add a wrap of tape around the red tube and the exposed engine as
shown in the bottom drawing of Figure Q for extra security.
Engine
Engine Mount
Tape
Tape
Figure Q
Insert the igniter according to the manufacturers directions.
Place the rocket on the launcher by sliding the launch lug over the launch rod. Be sure the safety key
is out of your launch system and attach the micro - clips to the igniter. Move back to a safe distance &
be sure the launch area is clear. Check for low - flying aircraft, insert the safety key, give the
countdown & launch!
To fly your model again, remove the used engine (be careful if you just flew it, it may be hot!). You
may need to use a pair of pliers to grasp the exposed end of the engine to help pull it out. Then repeat
the instructions above.
Be sure to read & follow the NAR Safety Code before flying
this or any other model rocket!
(Note: the NAR Safety Code is normally included with each package of Model Rocket Engines and
can also be found on the
National Association of Rocketry web site at www.nar.org
)
KEVLAR® is a registered trademark of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
