Here is the latest update:

Painting - We reached a major project milestone this past weekend when the Phoenix was painted. Prior to that step, we did some detail filling and sanding, and then applied one last coat of primer. After the primer dried, we sanded the entire rocket one last time and checked for any remaining rough spots. The entire airframe and nose cone were then wiped down with alcohol-soaked cloths followed by tack cloths and we were ready to paint. Thanks to Joe Grasso for manning the paint gun and getting the big job done.

Balance Test - Before the painting began, we performed a balance test to determine where the center of gravity of the missile will be. We installed the 98mm motor case and secured dumb-bells to the airframe to simulate the weight of the propellant and the recovery system. As it turns out, we are slightly nose heavy when the rocket is balanced at 1 caliber ahead of the center of pressure, so no additional nose weight is required. This is a tribute to the engineering skill of the entire project team (and good luck).

Trailer Test - We also performed a trailer test before the painting began. This consisted of placing the rocket on the cradle inside the trailer and closing the doors, just to make sure everything would actually fit inside. Thankfully, it did.

Launch Pad - Dave Towers showed off the improved launch pad base which will be used to launch the Phoenix at LDRS. The base consists of four massive arched legs with a foot-print of about 8 feet. An Impulse Aerospace Quad-Pod will be mated to these legs to form the completed pad. Dave is also designing a larger blast deflector, an improved rail adapter and a guy-wire stand-off for the top of the rail. The completed pad will be demonstrated at the Night Launch on the 29th of this month.

This coming Thursday night we will begin applying the lettering and other scale detail that Randy Luhman has been working on. We will also be doing some final touch-up on the nose cone and possibly painting the nose cone. The final detailing work will continue on Saturday.

See everyone Thursday night,

Hal