Space Shuttle model

[Ka6]

Would it be feasible to build a scale r/c space shuttle? I know the sink rate would be horrible (like the real thing!), but it would be cool. It would be launched by model rocket engines, then flown like the shuttle back down.

What do you think???:confused:

[Dave Robelen]

Hello Ka6,
A model shuttle should work fine. A number of them have been built by show teams and were air launched from powered vehicles. Considering that the full scale machine has a mighty steep glide, that is only realistic in a model. Besides, you can build the model light for it's size to improve the glide time. What size did you have in mind?
Regards, Dave

[Dave Robelen]

Hello Ka6,
A model shuttle should work fine. A number of them have been built by show teams and were air launched from powered vehicles. Considering that the full scale machine has a mighty steep glide, that is only realistic in a model. Besides, you can build the model light for it's size to improve the glide time. What size did you have in mind?
Regards, Dave

[Targo]

it could work... balance it properly (CG at 25% MAC for the first try ) but if U launch it vertically it could stall when it the climbing speed changes from positive to negative... keep an eye ont it

[Ka6]

i was thinking about a model approx 3 feet long (36in.), but i'm really not sure yet.

[Dave Robelen]

Hi Ka6,
If I were going to do a rocket powered shuttle model, I would arrange to first launch it by catapult. Set two stakes in the ground about 10 feet apart and string a hefty rubber strip between them. Put a hook on your shuttle model at the CG and haul back and let er rip. The idea is that you would want to find the trim setting for exactly straight flight before commiting to a rocket launch. With a catapult you would get a bit of high speed flight and could check for any climbing/diving/rolling tendencies and even get a bit of stick time on the landings before firing rockets. I would consider making a smaller version without controls to sort out much of the stability and control stuff early on.
Regards, Dave

[Ka6]

Thanks Dave,

You read my mind, I was just going to buy the Estes space shuttle to try and work out some of the kinks. Your catapault idea sound great, I think i'll try it!!

[David Lewis]

The Space Shuttle Orbiter can make a stable FF model with a good glide ratio and low sink rate. For photo, visit www.homefly.com and click "photo gallery"

[Zlaser]

A member of my local soaring club made a fommie slope Space Shuttle, but I don't think he tryed to rocket lanch it.
for more info visit, [http://www.risoaringclub.org/shutconstr.htm [/URL]

The problem with estes is that it can burn the material you are working with ie. foam, or wood.

If it works take picks and post them it would be realy cool to see.
o and if you end up building it show the plans too

[intro0813]

I'm currently trying to come up with a bare-bones shuttle glider with no R/C that could be launched with Estes engines and demoed for participants in a kids science program I'm running this July near Toronto.

[f-16flyboy]

model rocket lunch is possabl but it dose cost lots of $$$

[LUVtoBUILD]

Parker Lueng designed a .40 sized space shuttle in a pusher config for RCM some time ago. I've built it from plans from RCM but have not flown it yet. Not very difficult to build....
Carl

[Straick]

if you do build it, be sure to get the capped motors. They don't have an ejection charge to burn the model and you won't have to go looking for them after every flight.
Also, your best bet for mounting them would be to use tubing from model rockets of the same size as the motors. I would be extremely carefull with the rocket launch still. I used to fly model rockets, and even with a blast deflector, I accidentaly started several small fires from the blast on takeoff. Personally, an aerial launch would be easier and safer to achieve. Good luck with it.