Launch Report

August 7, 1997
Billings, MT

Temp: low 80s
Wind: Breezy, some clouds
Where: BLM land at 17 mile marker

Flights in order
RocketMotor
Estes PythonD12-5
Estes Black Brant IID12-5
Estes AstrocamC6-3
Estes Long ShotD12-0/C6-7
Maniacal (Maniac with 29mm motor)E11-5J
Shadow #2G64-7W
Aerotech ArreauxF40-7W
Aerotech CheetahE16-7W
Shadow #2G64-7W
Aerotech InitiatorE23-5T

Highlights
The Long Shot became the Lawn Dart as the upper stage failed to ignite. This despite putting two vent holes in the booster. I guess they need to be bigger. Anyway, the Long Shot was basically destroyed as it nose-dived into the hard dirt. I spent about 20 minutes looking for the Maniacal, but finally found it. The first Shadow launch with the IA-X96 reported 10.3 Gs, 264 mph, and 1747 feet. The Arreaux made its debut launch after having the baffle and motor tube repaired, and it was a very nice flight. The second Shadow launch with the IA-X96 reported 10.2 Gs, 264 mph, and 1689 feet.