Landing a Remote Controlled Air Compressed Projectile Vertically Aka Mini (it's-not-a) Rocket Drone
by RC Lover san in Outside > Rockets
1553 Views, 2 Favorites, 0 Comments
Landing a Remote Controlled Air Compressed Projectile Vertically Aka Mini (it's-not-a) Rocket Drone
 Rocket Drone)
Welcome to my ible #40
This is the "little brother" of my scratch built Rocket Drone...
https://www.instructables.com/id/Landing-a-Rocket-...
As its definition a Rocket is: "a cylindrical projectile that can be propelled to a great height
or distance by the combustion of its contents, used typically as a firework or signal."
Although on YouTube there are plenty of projects called: "rocket this, or rocket that", just a few use a "real" solid fuel motor to propel the aircraft. If you like to see the perfect hybrid between a rocket and a quadcopter, please take a look at the 'ible' above. #Rocket #Drone
Going back to this tutorial, I'd like to underline this is not a rocket, but it's a compressed air projectile.
This project is less expensive and because of the small size of the drone, it can be used even by children (supervised by an adult, if you want to use my remote controlled launcher).
https://www.instructables.com/id/Remote-Controlled...
Anyway you don't need to build the launcher, because you can use the stomp rocket launching pad...
UK Link...
US Link...
... or, just the hand launcher of the Whistle Rocket...
UK Link
US Link
Shopping List
UK Links...
1x Whistle Rocket (you can use the hand launcher instead of building the launching pad)
1x Ladybird Quadcopter
4x Permanent Magnets (Warning!!! If you have little children keep the magnets out of reach)
1x Stomp Rocket (if you don't want to build the launcher)
https://ebay.to/2OVO9SU
1x UHU Por (Foam Friendly)
US Links...
1x Whistle Rocket (you can use the hand launcher instead of building the launching pad)
1x Ladybird Quadcopter
4x Permanent Magnets (Warning!!! If you have little children keep the magnets out of reach)
1x Stomp Rocket (if you don't want to build the launcher)
1x A4 5mm Foam Board
1x UHU Por (Foam Friendly)
2x Zipties
Preparing the Body of the Rocket
Remove the whistle and cut the nose cone (7cm length).
Cut the rocket from the bottom 14.5cm and remove the flimsy fins.
You'll have the marks that will allow you to glue the new fins in the right position.
Cut the Fins Aka Landing Gear
Using the A4 5mm foam board cut the fins. They are long 5cm with 3cm of height.
Now glue them to the body of the rocket, placing underneath 1 permanent magnet per fin.
Do not glue the magnets too close to the edge of the fins, because, according to the quadcopter, you may have to trim them. In fact, it may happen that the fins generate lift, changing the orientation of the quadcopter during the flight (aka the quadcopter flies horizontally). If this thing happens, short the length of the fins cutting them evenly from the edge, until the quadcopter/rocket, flies perfectly vertically.
Attaching the Quadcopter at the Top of the Rocket
Using another piece of foam board, close the hole at the top of the cylinder (aka the body of the rocket).
I glued 2 discs of foam board to make sure they can withstand the launching pressure (a good amount of UHU Por will seal perfectly the cylinder).
After that, I've attached the quadcopter to the top, using 2 zipties, sliding those under the polystyrene discs and closing the holes with 4 dabs of glue. Remember, the better you seal the cyclinder, the higher the rocket will fly.
Be sure the quadcopter is perfectly perpendicular to the body of the rocket and placed at the centre of it.
Double check also that the shafts of the quadcopter are aligned with the fins, otherwise the quadcopter may fly horizontally.
Now, empty the nose cone using an exacto knife (being extremely careful when you are handling it).
In this way the nose cone will be lighter and you'll have the space to fit/cover the controller of the quadcopter.
Build the Ferro Magnetic Landing Pad / Barge
 Magnetic Landing Pad / Platform / Barge for Mini Rocket Drone)
Instructions are available here...
https://www.instructables.com/id/Ferro-Magnetic-La...
You basically need to build a smaller version of it 27cmx27cm.
DISCLAIMER
If you attempt to land your quadcopter on water, using my landing platform as a barge, please waterproof the controller/receiver, the motors and the battery (possible using CorrosionX).
Lipo batteries can be really dangerous if they are going to get wet, without being previously waterproofed.
On YouTube you'll find a lot of tutorials that explain how to do that.
Congratulations! Have Fun Landing Your "Rocket" Like SpaceX and BlueOrigin
If you'd like to build a proper Rocket Drone (powered by Estes Rockets solid fuel motors), this is the link for my Rocket Drone 'ible'....
https://www.instructables.com/id/Landing-a-Rocket-...