[RocketsNW] Parachute protection options

[Mfreptiles at aol.com]

I think Steve is on to something in certain situations.  
 
Taking Steve's advice, I've built a piston for my 38mm all aluminum  rocket.  
The piston is machined aluminum and slides really smoothly within  the 
aluminum airframe and won't bind because the piston skirt is several  calibers long 
and the piston and airframe is the same material.  My  previous problem was 
the bulk of the recovery gear wrapped with nomex.   Even then, my kevlar harness 
was exposed to the ejection gasses and would  degrade after a few flights.  
With the piston, there is less bulk to pack,  and the harness above the piston 
stays like new.  The kevlar harness  section below the piston will degrade, 
but since it is shorter, less $ to  replace.
 
Now if you asked me if I believe in phenolic pistons in cardboard, or  
plastic airframes........forget it! :)
 
Mike F.
 
 
**************Plan your next getaway with AOL Travel.  Check out Today's Hot 
5 Travel Deals! 
(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1212416248x1200771803/aol?redir=http://travel.aol.com/discount-travel?ncid=emlcntustrav00000001)
-------------- next part --------------
I think Steve is on to something in certain situations. 
 
Taking Steve's advice, I've built a piston for my 38mm all aluminum rocket.  The piston is machined aluminum and slides really smoothly within the aluminum airframe and won't bind because the piston skirt is several calibers long and the piston and airframe is the same material.  My previous problem was the bulk of the recovery gear wrapped with nomex.  Even then, my kevlar harness was exposed to the ejection gasses and would degrade after a few flights.  With the piston, there is less bulk to pack, and the harness above the piston stays like new.  The kevlar harness section below the piston will degrade, but since it is shorter, less $ to replace.
 
Now if you asked me if I believe in phenolic pistons in cardboard, or plastic airframes........forget it! :)
 
Mike F.
 
 
Plan your next getaway with AOL Travel. http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1212416248x1200771803/aol?redir=http://travel.aol.com/discount-travel?ncid=emlcntustrav00000001 Check out Today's Hot 5 Travel Deals!