| | Not displaying correctly? View web version. | Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #656: | |  The epic adventure concludes! Dive into the thrilling finale of "From Paris to Apogee: A Tale of Two (or Three?) Eiffel Towers" â now ready for download. In this captivating second installment, explore: - The test flights and data-driven tweaks that powered the upgraded Eiffel Tower rocket.
- Cutting-edge drag coefficient calculations using the Blue Raven altimeter that made for confidence when making the final motor choice.
- The nail-biting altitude attempt on a K185 motor, soaring to 1,151 feet (351 m) â surpassing the real tower's height by 6%!
- Future improvements, error analysis, and why "silly" projects spark real rocketry breakthroughs.
Packed with graphs, equations, and inspiring lessons, this article shows how creativity and engineering can turn whimsy into wonder. Apply these insights to your builds and watch your rocket creations come alive! Download Part 2 Today to see how ambition leads to altitude success. | | Read the rest of this week's article, either on a downloadable PDF for printing out, or on our website (great for viewing on your phone)! Previous issues of our newsletter are found at our archive page. |
|   |
| Check out the latest products to hit Apogee's shelves! | Missile Meter Flight Caddy | |  Safeguard your Missile Meter altimeter and ensure it stays securely attached during every launch with the Flight Caddy! This custom-designed protective case is the perfect companion for rocketeers who want hassle-free altitude tracking without the risk of losing their tiny device. Exclusively tailored for the Missile Meter, it attaches directly to your rocket's Kevlar shock cord, preventing rattles and keeping everything snug during flight and recovery. 3D printed right here at Apogee Components using durable urethane resin, the Flight Caddy is lightweight, compact, and ready to slide into even the smallest rocket tubes (no payload bay required).
|
| Lightning Bug DL Altimeter | |  The Lightning Bug DL Altimeter is a dual-deployment device that offers an alternative to systems requiring pyrogen-based igniters. It utilizes a high-voltage plasma arc to ignite ejection charges, allowing for the use of simple, low-cost 2-conductor wire. This pyrogen-free design means the system is not subject to Hazmat shipping regulations. For high-speed flights, the altimeter also includes a Mach Lock-Out feature to help prevent premature deployment by correctly interpreting the pressure increase that occurs as a rocket approaches the sound barrier, providing a reusable system for managing your rocket's recovery.
|
| Estes 2-Stage Vogel | |  The Estes Vogel stands as the tallest direct-staged rocket in its class at 64.5 inches, and its packed with innovations that set it apart from other kits. Its unique gap staging system uses small vents to enable reliable upper-stage ignition, while the booster features something rarely seen in model rocketry â a dedicated parachute compartment with side-eject hatch that protects your recovery gear from ejection charge heat. Fly it as a jaw-dropping dual-stage beast when using Estes 29mm diameter E and F engines, or unlock radical solo altitudes with composite motors in the sustainer. When Vogel climbs, it doesn't just reach 2,000 feet â it becomes your signature launch. More details here.
|
| Missile Meter Altimeter | |  The Apogee Missile Meter Altimeter slips effortlessly into your payload bay (even the tiny ones), delivering precise peak-altitude measurements in both meters and feet. Weighing just 2 grams, it wonât burden your designâyet it transforms every launch into a data-rich experience. Perfect for beginners and veterans alike, no complex setupsâjust plug, launch, and review your rocketâs peak altitudes.Comes with two rechargable Li-Po batteries, USB charger, and a plastic storage case, itâs ready out-of-the-box. And it is the cheapest altimeter we sell. Check it out now!
|
| |
| | Launch of the Week!  I was in Toronto last week for a conference, and that big CN tower became the inspiration for this issue's Launch of the Week. I was wondering how small of a motor it would take to exceed the height of the CN tower (1815.5 feet). For my launch in the Launch Visualizer, I chose the Apogee Blue Streak kit, and a Quest D13 motor. It was easy to reach the altitude with that motor combination (1864 feet). But what was funny, is that the rocket became shark food upon landing. If that doesn't make sense, be sure to look at the simulation in the Launch Visualizer (click here). What cool simulations would you like to try out with the Launch Visualizer? | |
| Customer Testimonial  âPeople understand that great products and excellent customer service go hand-in-hand for achieving success in any type of business. This formula is quite apparent when ordering from Apogee Components. I'm a return customer many times over because Tim and his team offer customers a comprehensive source for expertise and knowledge on all levels of rocketeering. Thank you, Tim â -- Regards, David Knowlen | |
  |
 I'm now actively seeking writers for articles to appear in this newsletter. And I want unique and cutting-edge articles because that is what you want to read, right? I realize this, so to get articles from outside writers that have the same level of quality, I'm going to have to pay a lot of cash to make it worth it for them. So I've come up with a compensation package where I'll pay up to $350 for good how-to articles. Are you a writer, and does that interest you? That is a lot of cash! Far more than you'll get by writing for other magazines. And with over 23,000 worldwide subscribers, if you write for the Peak-of-Flight Newsletter, you'll gain a lot of notoriety. Writing for the Peak-of-Flight Newsletter is a great way to show off your rocketry projects and your technical expertise, at the same time as helping out other rocketeers. Imagine how great you'll feel knowing that you made a difference to the hobby. If you're interested in writing, see the guidelines on our site. | |
|
|
