I'm in the process of building a PML Stratus and I'm getting to the
point where I need to decide if I deviate from stock or build it stock.
Here's the dilemma:
The Stratus is an altimeter deployment only near 38mm minimum diameter
high performance bird designed to go 12,000' on an I. The problem is
that it is designed for single deployment at apogee. Now, I'm not as
young as I once was and I have no desire to chase a 22 oz. rocket as it
drifts in under main chute from 12,000'. <g> So, I've gotten a good
suggestion from Darrell to cut a small section of BT and use a floating
coupler that is blown out by the motor ejection charge, staying with the
payload section and then blows out, releasing the main chute by the
altimeter controlled charge. Does anyone see any unforeseen problems
with this scenario? It seems too easy to be true, but I think that
it'll work.
A couple of questions remain before I start:
1. Will the rocket be structually sound enough under high G's with a
"floating" coupler?
2. The kit uses a piston for ejection which I'm assuming won't be needed
or wanted considering the modification. Correct?
3. Would the addition of a small, dummy payload section be a preferrable
option to the above?
Your comments are welcome.
Mark Simpson
NAR 71503 Level II