So this is how we start the year?? 20-30mph winds and mid
40's?? Well needless to say the first launch of the season in
Mansfield, WA didn't see many birds take to the air. We spent
Saturday just hanging out and trying to stay warm. (yes Greg needs
to learn what a coat is :) )
The day was beautiful other than the wind however.....
We had every intention of putting up several new
rockets but it was not to be.....
The first flight of the weekend drew a crowd for
prep and execution. At one point I think I had ten people around
watching me pack a chute. Of course the "flight" was only a ground
test of my Ultimate Endeavor :)
As you can see we went all out setting up a full range....
Finally Sunday morning some flights went up.
We saw the second of the day on our drive out to the range. Not
all were successful however. Jim and I did a long trek across the
fields and swamp for a chute/bag recovery.
I did manage to get one test flight up of the
Wildman. I think we've finally solved all the recovery problems as
it went up on a 54mm J210, separated at apogee and deployed the main at
400' to come in right next to the pad. (video)
Deployment did blow the piston apart however so a little repair is in
order.
We did validate that the truck has no issues
pulling the club trailer back and forth, even if we don't use the
contents :).
Here's to
FITS being better!!
