Rockets Down Under

Viper 3 Launch

David Boyd's Australian Rocketry Home Page

This page shows several launches of my LOC Viper 3.  The Viper 3 has a cluster of three separate motor mounts for 24mm motors.

I modified the kit to add a payload section that contained CCD video camera, video transmitter, and electronics.  The electronics was my homemade system that included a microprocessor controlled altimeter and accelerometer.

Unfortunately all of this payload equipment was two heavy to be launched on available black powered motors at the time.

The photo here shows the Viper 3 ready for its maiden launch in December 1996.  In this photo it does not have the payload section attached. It flew successfully, with the full cluster of motors firing nicely.

The Viper 3 next flew successfully on three 10 year old Estes black powder E first stage booster motors with the payload module attached, but the video electronics removed. This was also the first test of my electronics.

This photo shows the second launch of the Viper 3.   It cocked slightly as it left the launch rod, but then flew straight and narrow.

The electronics worked successfully, and deployed the parachute just after the rocket arced over.  The measured altitude was 767 feet AGL.

This photo, and subsequent photos show the third launch of the Viper 3, with the electronics installed, but this time on three Estes black powder D motors.

Unfortunately only one motor of the cluster of three fired correctly, and as the following sequence shows the rocket never gained enough altitude to arm the payload.

The photo shows the rocket slowly lifting off and cocking as it leaves the launch rod.

Velocity started to increase and down it came.