It's difficult to put a dollar amount on it, because a lot of the equipment we needed to make it we already had, and we had to go through a whole development process doing prototypes. If we needed to make a second one now from scratch there would be close to $300-$350 in electronics and materials on this rocket. The original development took around 7-8 months before 1st flight.
This rocket uses a custom launcher that was specifically built for this rocket. Details on this launcher can be found on out UA-cam channel under "High pressure water rocket launcher"
@janf73 Hi Jan, Yes we are re-using the pressure chamber. Only the top 15-20 cm was damaged. We will add a coupler and then add a new piece of tube on the end.
Not in this configuration. The nozzle is relatively big so the thrust phase is over in a short amount of time. When eventually a similar rocket to this one is flown in a 2 stage configuration, then we will use foam with the rocket with a smaller nozzle.
@dutchwaterrocket The servo had activated into the deployed position. We suspect it was a mechanical failure of the piston, potentially jammed during the high Gs by the parachute or shock cord.
@karlwinkler66 Thanks. :) And that is a very good question. We used 1.3L of water on these first flights, but ~1.6L is the optimal amount. We weren't sure how stable the rocket was going to be so we wanted less weight aft on the first launches. Now that we know it flies well, we'll increase the water amount next time. The air pulse also happens quickly because of the pressure and large nozzle used on the rocket.
@Basrockets Thanks Basrockets. We don't know what the upper limit is for this particular tube. We have had a short section of it still holding at 560psi, but have never pressure tested the whole rocket to that pressure. We are aiming to get up to 500psi with this rocket. We wanted to get at least one good flight in to test everything out first.
Yup the Shadow II is ready for flight. We have just been waiting for a good opportunity to launch it. It requires both dad and I to launch it, but dad was in Europe for the last 5 weeks.
George, what is that fast clicking sound that i hear just before the launch? I hear that almost every time you launch a rocket. Is that a photo camera or some type of non return valve?
Hi Basrockets, it's just the still camera taking pictures at 10 fps. :) I normally have to get one of the kids or someone to take the pictures as I normally have the two video cameras (HD and slow-mo) and dad takes pictures with his still camera.
Woow ! Very nice job George (and your team)! That was a really nice altitude ! And what a speed, what is that max pressure that this rocket will hold? Basrockets
Sorry for the late reply, I only just now saw your comment. We get the fiberglass from the local fiberglass distributor called Nuplex. They carry all sorts of fiberglass and CF materials and epoxies. Yes we still use normal splicing for most of our other rockets.
It's difficult to put a dollar amount on it, because a lot of the equipment we needed to make it we already had, and we had to go through a whole development process doing prototypes. If we needed to make a second one now from scratch there would be close to $300-$350 in electronics and materials on this rocket. The original development took around 7-8 months before 1st flight.
This rocket uses a custom launcher that was specifically built for this rocket. Details on this launcher can be found on out UA-cam channel under "High pressure water rocket launcher"
@DaanenPleunRockets Thanks Daan. :) It would be great to see you guys flying in the summer again.
@janf73 Hi Jan,
Yes we are re-using the pressure chamber. Only the top 15-20 cm was damaged. We will add a coupler and then add a new piece of tube on the end.
Not in this configuration. The nozzle is relatively big so the thrust phase is over in a short amount of time. When eventually a similar rocket to this one is flown in a 2 stage configuration, then we will use foam with the rocket with a smaller nozzle.
500psi is the eventual target launch pressure for this rocket.
@dutchwaterrocket The servo had activated into the deployed position. We suspect it was a mechanical failure of the piston, potentially jammed during the high Gs by the parachute or shock cord.
@karlwinkler66 Thanks. :) And that is a very good question. We used 1.3L of water on these first flights, but ~1.6L is the optimal amount. We weren't sure how stable the rocket was going to be so we wanted less weight aft on the first launches. Now that we know it flies well, we'll increase the water amount next time. The air pulse also happens quickly because of the pressure and large nozzle used on the rocket.
The camera was damaged and the micro SD card was snapped in two. So we could not get the footage from it.
@Basrockets Thanks Basrockets. We don't know what the upper limit is for this particular tube. We have had a short section of it still holding at 560psi, but have never pressure tested the whole rocket to that pressure. We are aiming to get up to 500psi with this rocket. We wanted to get at least one good flight in to test everything out first.
Yup the Shadow II is ready for flight. We have just been waiting for a good opportunity to launch it. It requires both dad and I to launch it, but dad was in Europe for the last 5 weeks.
We use the #11 and #16 808 keychain HD cameras.
Your rockets, and solid videos are an encouragement. Thank you!
Nope, we've never tried a water powered winged craft before. There are plenty of people who have though, and even a space shuttle type.
Glad to hear you are having fun with water rockets as well. :)
nice flight with no wind: straight up ... and down ;-)
I hope you can re-use the pressure chamber
I have a feeling your going to launch one into space... Have you ever tried to make a water shuttle? Or space shuttle?
Sorry for bugging you, but would you ever use foam for this rocket? -Randy
Thanks:) I just thought you made one. And thanks for the quick reply. I did not expect you to respond:)
Any more Shadow 2 flights from you George? Or is the repairs not complete?
OMG the lawn dart from hell! Where was the parachute on the 2nd launch?
About 1 foot below ground! :)
Very good job !!! please, what type of camera embedded in the rocket do you use?
@krustyclown42 thanks krusty :) I remember when you could make a rocket in the morning and launch it in the afternoon.
Oh no, it crashed! Good Job on achieving over 1000ft
Also what things do I need to make a Gardena Launcher. What parts and how do I make it? Regards Oliver
George, what is that fast clicking sound that i hear just before the launch? I hear that almost every time you launch a rocket. Is that a photo camera or some type of non return valve?
Hi Basrockets, it's just the still camera taking pictures at 10 fps. :) I normally have to get one of the kids or someone to take the pictures as I normally have the two video cameras (HD and slow-mo) and dad takes pictures with his still camera.
Woow ! Very nice job George (and your team)!
That was a really nice altitude !
And what a speed, what is that max pressure that this rocket will hold?
Basrockets
how much spend money you and team to create the rocket and how long to make it..?
thanks
What happens to the onboard cam in the last launch
I love your videos! You guys are awesome!
Thanks for the nice words. :)
Sent you a PM with links as I can't post links here.
@PRDAvideo Díky, opravy již začaly :)
What water rocker launcher did you use?
Where do you get your glass fiber from and do you still use the standard splicing? Thanks
Sorry for the late reply, I only just now saw your comment. We get the fiberglass from the local fiberglass distributor called Nuplex. They carry all sorts of fiberglass and CF materials and epoxies. Yes we still use normal splicing for most of our other rockets.
@AirCommandRockets If you make a bigger rocket with this technique maybe you can even brake the world record !
Gratulace k superraketě! Škoda toho pádu při druhém letu :-( Jinak nádherná výška!
very nice rocket and nice system to make experiments with :)
Ouch but that was still great
awsome 500 psi that is kick ass
Great rocket....
Can I get the fiber glass in Singapore?
It should be available in most places. Try boating stores if your hardware doesn't carry it.
wow wonderfull job !!!!!
Hi?
Landing 2 fail