When the article about how to build airbrakes in a sounding rocket came across my desk, I was very intrigued. This topic comes up often for student competitions, where they have to reach a specific altitude. The philosophy that makes sense is to use a more powerful motor than is needed to achieve the altitude, and then use drag brakes to slow it down just enough to reach the desired altitude. The advantage is that if the rocket doesn't go perfectly straight up, you still have a chance at reaching the target because the motor has the extra power to reach it. That is what makes this an important rocketry subject.

But I'm also fascinated by the mechanics of the design. How do the drag brakes deploy? And what pulls them back into the rocket? All of this is described in the article that we released this past Tuesday.

The Eiffel Tower Rocket - A free plan

This really did fly! And you can build one too. This odd-roc design is a scale model of the famous Paris, France tourist attraction, although this one is intended to fly as a model rocket. This rocket uses foam-core sheets for the sides of the tower, a 3D printed observation platform nose cone, and flies on high thrust 29mm rocket motors. The decal artwork is included with the plans, so it looks pretty realistic. The plans were in this past week's newsletter article, and the download of the templates and decal sheets are here.

Rocketry Tool of the Month - Alligator Jaw Forceps

At the begining of May, we introduced our specially designed alligator jaw forceps. This specialty tool is custom made for Apogee Components, and is perfect for model rocketry enthusiasts. These forceps, inspired by E.N.T. (ear, nose, throat) instruments, feature a unique scissor-like handle that ensures a comfortable and easy grip. With their long jaw, they are ideal for precision work in tight spaces, such as the interior of rockets.

The alligator jaw design of the forceps is equipped with serrated teeth, providing a secure and powerful grip. This allows you to handle delicate or slippery components with confidence. The long and narrow jaws enable you to reach deep into small spaces, making it effortless to grasp hard-to-reach parts.

What sets our forceps apart is their remarkable ability to effortlessly navigate through even the tiniest holes, with a diameter as small as 0.15 inches. This makes them an invaluable tool for assembling model rockets, where precise placement and secure fastening are paramount.

Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, our alligator jaw forceps are built to last. They offer reliability and durability, ensuring they will be a dependable tool for all your model rocketry endeavors. Whether you are an experienced hobbyist or just beginning your journey, these forceps are the perfect addition to your toolkit.

Take your model rocketry to new heights by ordering your very own alligator jaw forceps today!

To get this set of alligator forceps for free (a $13.95 value), just purchase $150 worth of Apogee's merchandise and add the coupon code at checkout on our website. This offer only lasts until May 31. Some people didn't believe us that we're firm on the end date of these special Tool-of-the-Month offers. But we do not extend or retroactively add them to orders after the cut-off date. So you must act soon, or you'll miss out on this special deal.

What to Look Forward to Next Week?

Did you ever buy a rocket kit, and then find that the tube coupler is stuck inside one of the body tubes? A lot of manufacturers ship kits like that, because it makes the package smaller to nest the couplers in the tubes. But we get calls all the time from people saying the coupler is stuck in the tube. I mean, really stuck. How do you fix this issue and get the coupler out without having the peel the paper apart?

That is the topic of our next Advanced Construction Video. It will show you my technique for getting couplers out that seem to be cemented inside the tube. It is rocket surgery, but the good news is that both the mom and the baby survive.

I'll see you in your email in-box next Tuesday.