Welcome to the AeroTech Consumer Aerospace website! Click here to jump to the latest AeroTech news. Click here to view the AeroTech news archive page. Click here to link to the AeroTech Prize page. • New products under development for NARAM-50 and LDRS-27! • Mojave Green™ model and high-power reloads & Kosdon by AeroTech™ (KBA™) "Fast" propellant reloads for Kosdon™ hardware are Tripoli and NAR certified and now shipping! Right: Liftoff photo of Gary Tortora's J500G Mojave Green powered Talon 4, by Patrick McConnell (click to enlarge) Click here to see "before" photo • Click here to download easy-to-use performance nomograms created by Dr. Andreas Mueller for rockets using AeroTech motors (18.1 MB PDF file, 200 pages). NEWS HEADLINES 7/14/08 AeroTech Receives New California State Fire Marshal Approvals The California Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has issued classification approvals for three new AeroTech RMS™ Mojave Green™ propellant rocket motor reload kits. 7/1/08 Tripoli 'M' Altitude Record Shattered Using Kosdon by AeroTech Animal-Compatible M1450W Reload On June 20th, 2008 at the Mudroc launch in Nevada's Black Rock Desert, Curt von Delius (TRA 10592) established a pending 'M'-class single motor altitude record of over 40,000 feet AGL using a Kosdon by AeroTech™ (KBA™) Animal-Compatible™ M1450W rocket motor reload kit. 5/20/08 (Updated 6/6/08) AeroTech Product Bulletin 2008-1: Forward Seal Disks Now Required For Use With Specific 54, 75 & 98mm RMS Reloads As a result of field experience and customer feedback, AeroTech is now requiring the use of aluminum "forward seal disks" with new production reload kits intended for use with 54/1706, 75/5120-6400 and all 98mm RMS™ hardware. (Full stories below) Looking for 'A' through 'C' power model rocket motors, kits, parts and starter sets? Visit the Quest Aerospace website at http://www.questaerospace.com. Get Started in High Performance Rocketry with the AeroTech Initiator Starter System Package! Initiator Systems Package The Initiator Systems Package is your basic introduction to big hobby rocketry. This comprehensive kit contains everything necessary to fly the big stuff! The starter package includes the Initiator rocket kit, Mantis launch pad kit, Interlock launch controller kit and complete easy-to-follow illustrated instructions. The portable launch system is designed to fly the entire line of AeroTech rockets. F20-4W Econojet motors recommended for first flights. See the AeroTech catalog for detailed information on the individual components. Note: rocket motors sold separately. Click here to see a video of the assembly of the Initiator rocket kit. Click here see the Initiator in the hobby shop video. Click here to buy now. NEWS 7/14/08 AeroTech Receives New California State Fire Marshal Approvals The California Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has issued classification approvals for three new AeroTech RMS™ Mojave Green™ propellant rocket motor reload kits. The specific products approved are: 29/40-120 Model Rocket RMS G76-4G (#77504) G76-7G (#77507) G76-10G (#77510) The approvals allow the sale and use of these rocket motor reload kits by California consumers. A copy of the new California OSFM approvals may be downloaded in PDF format from the AeroTech Resource Library. 7/1/08 Tripoli 'M' Altitude Record Shattered Using Kosdon by AeroTech Animal-Compatible M1450W Reload On June 20th, 2008 at the Mudroc launch in Nevada's Black Rock Desert, Curt von Delius (TRA 10592) established a pending 'M'-class single motor altitude record of over 40,000 feet AGL using a Kosdon by AeroTech™ (KBA™) Animal-Compatible™ M1450W rocket motor reload kit. The flight was Curt's Level 3 project and is the culmination of a three year endeavor. The maximum velocity achieved was 2,818 ft/sec (1,921 mph). The rocket was recovered 11.3 miles downrange after a six hour search, and the airframe and fin leading edges showed signs of extreme heating. The new record shatters the previous record of 35,300 feet set by Jim Wilkerson on 9/17/05. Curt is also the holder of the 'J'-class record of 19,240 feet using an AeroTech J570W motor and the 'L'-class record of 31,316 feet. In fact, seven of the nine existing single-motor altitude records have been established using AeroTech motors. The entire airframe was constructed with lightweight carbon fiber composites.  The main body was built using aerospace grade, filament wound carbon fiber tube by Composite Solutions, courtesy of Greg Fannin. High density carbon plate fins were attached with Cotronics high temperature epoxy and vacuum bagged 10.9 oz. aerospace grade Amoco T-650 3K carbon fabric. The project was launched from a custom-built aluminum tower. Maximum acceleration was 26.2 Gs and apogee occurred at 48 seconds. The vehicle measures 68.4" in length and 3.13" in diameter and weighs 76 oz. without motor. Recovery was accomplished by deploying a highly modified SkyAngle 28" drogue at apogee, and a modified SkyAngle 52" main at 2,400', using black powder charges. The M1450W is an 8,060 newton-second reload kit that generates a peak thrust of 480 pounds, a burn time of 5.46 seconds and fits Animal Motor Works (AMW) 75-7600 motor hardware. Like all KBA A-C reloads, the M1450W is an outstanding value and is priced 25% below the cost of AMW reloads of similar size. The M1450W also delivers a higher total impulse than AMW 75-7600 reloads. Curt would like to thank Ken Biba, Richard Hagen and all the Aeropac "Founding Fathers" for their continuing help and knowledge. Also, thanks go out to Steve Wagner for his help in the recovery effort. Launch photo courtesy Steve Wigfield. Animal Motor Works and AMW are trademarks of Animal Motor Works, Inc. 5/20/08 (Updated 6/6/08) AeroTech Product Bulletin 2008-1: Forward Seal Disks Now Required For Use With Specific 54, 75 & 98mm RMS Reloads As a result of field experience and customer feedback, AeroTech is now requiring the use of aluminum "forward seal disks" with new production reload kits intended for use with 54/1706, 75/5120-6400 and all 98mm RMS™ hardware. The specific kits affected are: 54/1706 Motor Hardware K550W, K1100T, K695R, K513FJ, K805G 75/5120-6400 Motor Hardware L1420R, M1297W, M2030G, M650W, M1315W, M1550R 98/2560-15360 Motor Hardware K458W, K650T, K680R, K1999N, L952W, L1300R, L1500T, M1419W, M1600R, M2100G, M2400T, M750W, M1939W, M2000R, M2500T, N2000W The 54mm seal disk was announced last year (P/N 54FSD) and has been required for use with all 54/2560 and larger reload kits, the 75mm disk (P/N 75FSD) is currently being used with all 75/6400 and 75/7680 reloads, and the 98mm disk (P/N 98FSD) is a new machined aluminum part that will replace the phenolic disk currently shipping with 98mm reload kit production. A small percentage of customers using some of these reload kits have reported a "blister" forming on the exterior of the forward end of the motor case. The blister is caused by excessive heating due to a small amount of hot gas passing between the case and liner during motor operation. In addition to weakening the casing, the blister can interfere with the proper fit of the case in the rocket's motor mount tube. In the past, AeroTech has implemented the use of forward seal disks with its longest 29mm, 38mm and 75mm RMS motors. The seal disk is a narrow aluminum ring that seals to the inside of the phenolic liner with a circumferential o-ring. The motor's forward o-ring seals against the forward seal disk when the motor closures are tightened. With the use of the seal disk, the liner o-ring (54mm only) and phenolic or fiber forward insulator are no longer required and will not be included with new reload kits. An added benefit of using the seal disks is that motor cleanup is substantially easier; the disk prevents soot from being deposited on the forward end of the case. The new 98mm aluminum forward seal disk will be available from AeroTech and its authorized dealers at a price of $20.00 each suggested retail. Three seal disk o-rings will be included with each disk for use with older reloads. Updated assembly drawings and instructions for the affected reloads will soon be available for download in PDF format from the Resource Library. 3/15/08 (Updated 6/2/08) AeroTech Introduces New G76G 29mm Mojave Green Reload Kit at NARCON 2008 AeroTech is releasing a new Mojave Green™ propellant reload kit for AeroTech and Rouse-Tech™ RMS-29/40-120 reloadable model rocket motor hardware, the G76G. The G76G produces a highly visible exhaust plume with Mojave Green's distinctive green color. It is a two-grain configuration similar to the redesigned G64W and the G71R released last year, and likewise may be shipped via U.S. Mail Parcel Post® with no hazmat fee. The G76G will be available in three time delays: G76-4G (P/N 77504), G76-7G (P/N 77507) and G76-10G (P/N 77510) National Association of Rocketry (NAR) certification testing for the G76G is complete. AeroTech's measured total impulse for the G76G is 118 N-sec. Other statistics include a burn time of 1.5 seconds, average thrust of 76 Newtons, peak thrust of 196 Newtons, propellant mass of 60.0 grams and initial mass of 147 grams. It may be used interchangeably in the same kits as the G64W and G71R reloads, with the same time delays. The G76G reload kit will be priced the same as the G64W and G71R, at $12.95 each. AeroTech is accepting orders for the G76G now and anticipates shipments to dealers and distributors to begin by late April. Instructions, assembly drawings and the official NAR certification document for the G76G are now available for download in PDF format from the AeroTech Resource Library. 3/14/08 Tripoli Motor Testing Certifies Three New High-Power Mojave Green Reload Kits The Tripoli Motor Testing (TMT) Committee of the Tripoli Rocketry Association has certified three new AeroTech high power Mojave Green™ propellant reloads to fit AeroTech, Dr. Rocket™ and Rouse-Tech™ 54/1706, 75/5120 and 98/7680 RMS™ hardware. The new reloads include the 54/1706 K805G-P, the 75/5120 M2030G-P and the 98/7680 M2100G-P. Because of the high density impulse of Mojave Green propellant, all reloads produce a total impulse in excess of the rated hardware capacity. Mojave Green propellant generates a vivid green flame with brilliant and distinct "mach diamonds" and a moderate amount of smoke. Thrust levels and burn times are similar to those produced by motors using AeroTech's Redline™ propellant. AeroTech has found that Mojave Green generates the highest total impulse per volume of any AeroTech propellant, so these reloads are real performers! Performance data, specifications and prices for the new motors are as follows: Reload kit designation K805G-P M2030G-P M2100G-P AeroTech part no. 11805P 13203P 13210P RMS hardware 54/1706 75/5120 98/7680 Total impulse, (N-sec) 1762 5485 7802 Burn time (sec) 2.2 2.6 3.7 Propellant weight (g) 871.1 2663 3948 Loaded motor weight (g) 1543 4906 6912 Suggested retail price $100.00 $260.00 $447.00 The K805G may be sold to NAR or Tripoli Level 2 certified purchasers in possession of an ATFE Low Explosive User Permit (LEUP). The M2030G and the M2100G require a Level 3 NAR or Tripoli certification. Deliveries to AeroTech's high-power RMS dealers are expected to begin by late April. Customers are encouraged to place their orders with dealers at their earliest opportunity to ensure timely delivery. Applicable certification documents, motor instructions and assembly drawings will soon be available for download in PDF format from the AeroTech Resource Library. 2/22/08 Thirteen AeroTech RMS, Two KBA Reload Kits Receive California State Fire Marshal Approvals The California Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has issued classification approvals for thirteen new high-power AeroTech RMS™ rocket motor reload kits and two new Kosdon by AeroTech™ (KBA™) "Fast" propellant reload kits. The specific motors approved are: High-Power RMS Reloadable Motor System™ H250G-M (#08250M) I245G-M (#09245M) J500G-M (#10500M) K270W-P (#11270P) I115W-M (#09115M) I229T-M (#09229M) I215R-M (#09215M) I117FJ-M (#09117M) I599N-P (#09599P) J250FJ-L (#10250L) J401FJ-L (#10401L) K513FJ-L (#11513L) K828FJ-P (#11828P) High-Power KBA (Kosdon "Fast" propellant) J520F-L (#K10520L) K700F-L (#K11700L) The approvals allow the sale and use of these rocket motor reload kits by California consumers. A copy of the new California OSFM approvals may be downloaded in PDF format from the AeroTech Resource Library or by clicking here. 2/5/08 AeroTech Spring '08 "Level 1-2-3" Certification Promotion AeroTech is once again offering a special promotion to its NAR and Tripoli Level 1, 2 & 3 certification customers, available only through participating high-power RMS™ dealers. The Level 1-2-3 promotion includes the H128W-M reload kit for $9.49 (50% off MSRP), the J350W-M reload kit for $26.49 (50% off MSRP) and the M1297W-P reload for $194.99 (25% off MSRP). This offer is exclusively for individuals seeking Level 1, 2 or 3 certification, and customers must present their NAR or Tripoli certification paperwork to the dealer prior to purchase. The Level 1-2-3 promotion reload kits will be clearly marked "for certification flights only". The promotion ends on May 15, 2008. After that date, dealers who have any remaining inventory of Level 1-2-3 reloads may continue to sell them until their stock runs out. However, depending on the success of the program, AeroTech may choose to extend the length of the offer. 1/15/08 Ellis Mountain Founder Robert Ellis Dies Following Accident Posted courtesy of rocketryplanet.com JACKSONVILLE, Texas USA — A belated loss has been discovered in the untimely death of Robert E. Ellis, owner of Ellis Mountain Rocket Works, a manufacturer of single use and reloadable model and high power rocket motors. Ellis died on December the 4th after complications from an accident. Ellis grew up in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia before returning to the United States in 1967 to attend high school. After graduation, Ellis joined the United States Navy, where he served 25 years and retired as a Chief Petty Officer. After retirement from the Navy, Ellis returned to Jacksonville, Texas and started his business developing and building low-cost rocket motors for the model rocketry community. Robert Ellis died on December 4, 2007, from complications arising from a para-gliding accident in Utah. Unconfirmed sources indicate the accident involved a broken leg which later resulted in a blood clot. Ellis is survived by his mother, Lawanda L. Ellis of Jacksonville, Texas; and younger brothers James Russell of Rusk, Texas, and Reed of Dallas, Texas. Ellis was noted for his long-burning motors and for helping buoy the hobby after a fire destroyed the AeroTech manufacturing facilities in October of 2001. In early 2002, Ellis began manufacturing the more popular AeroTech motors and continued production at his Texas facility until the new AeroTech facility in Cedar City, Utah was able to take over. 12/6/07 NAR Certifies Redesigned AeroTech G80T Motor at 137 N-sec Total Impulse The National Association of Rocketry (NAR) Standards & Testing (S&T) Committee has certified AeroTech's new, redesigned G80T Blue Thunder™ single-use model rocket motor at 136.7 N-sec total impulse. The new G80T is the highest performance single-use model rocket motor ever certified by the NAR. The new 137 N-sec rating represents a 42%+ increase in power over the previous G80T design. The motor features an all-new molded phenolic casing with a built-in thrust ring, and ships with a FirstFire Jr.™ 2-lead igniter. Delay times will be offered in 7, 10 and 13 seconds which are intended to directly replace the current lineup of 4, 7 and 10 seconds. The suggested retail price for the new G80T will remain unchanged at $25.95 each. The new G80T motors and outer packaging will be marked with a prominent label that differentiates them from older G80T motors and displays the new NAR-certified 137 N-sec total impulse rating. The first batches of motors are in production and shipments to dealers and distributors are expected to begin in the next few weeks. The NAR certification document for the new G80T is now available for download in PDF format from the AeroTech Resource Library on the "Certification Documents" page or by clicking here. The new G80T motor instructions are also available for download from the "Instructions" page of the Library. 10/18/07 AeroTech Showcases New, Improved G80T Motor at iHobby Expo in Chicago AeroTech has engineered a new, greatly improved G80T Blue Thunder™ single-use model rocket motor, which is being shown for the first time to attendees of the iHobby Expo trade show in Chicago, IL from October 18-21. The motor, which has been under development since July of 2006, features an all-new molded phenolic casing with a built-in thrust ring, and ships with a FirstFire Jr.™ 2-lead igniter. More importantly, it generates a total impulse over 40% greater than that produced by the current-generation G80T, along with a gorgeous translucent blue exhaust plume studded with prominent "mach diamonds". "We used every trick in the book on this motor, and then invented some new ones" stated AeroTech/RCS president Gary Rosenfield. "As AeroTech's flagship single-use model rocket motor, we wanted the new G80T to embody the various casing and propellant technologies that we've been developing over the past few years, and to meet or exceed the performance and features of competitive offerings in as many areas as possible." Ever since the November 2004 release of the first redesigned G80T in the current-generation molded casing, some AeroTech customers have expressed disappointment in the loss of total impulse from the previously certified 116 newton-seconds using a built-up paper-phenolic case design, to under 100 newton-seconds in the molded version. The loss was a consequence of translating the earlier motor design to the molded casing, which required a heavier case wall and substantial insulation thickness to protect it from excessive heating caused by the original G80T's "C-slot" propellant grain geometry. The new G80T uses a dual "BATES" center core-burning grain configuration. This eliminates the need for extra case insulation and allows the largest diameter grain possible with a full 62.5 grams of propellant, the maximum permitted for a "legal" model rocket motor. The propellant composition was optimized to increase density and specific impulse (Isp) as much as practical within the parameters of AeroTech's DOT shipping classification and the inherent limitations of small rocket motor design. The nozzle exit cone was molded with a higher expansion ratio to increase motor efficiency. Other, proprietary design techniques were used as well. Combined, these improvements have resulted in a delivered total impulse in excess of 130 newton-seconds, the highest ever achieved for a production single-use model rocket motor. The actual total impulse will be revealed once National Association of Rocketry (NAR) certification is granted for the new design. All this was accomplished without the use of exotic propellant chemicals or excessively high chamber pressures that could compromise motor reliability and safety. The new G80T will be available in time delays of 7, 10 and 13 seconds. The 4-second delay has been discontinued, and customers are advised to use the next longer delay time increment for their rockets, due to the greatly increased total impulse. Other specifications of the new G80T include a burn time of 1.7 seconds, loaded weight of 128 grams, fired weight of 59 grams, diameter of 1.125" and a casing length of 4.88". The molded aft thrust ring has dimensions of 1.25" diameter X .25" long. Though the new G80Ts have a different exterior appearance due to the molded aft thrust ring, they will be clearly marked to differentiate them from the older G80Ts. No user certification is necessary to purchase the G80T, though customers must be at least 18 years of age. AeroTech is now accepting orders for the new G80T motor and anticipates NAR certification to be received in late October to early November. Deliveries to dealers and distributors are expected to begin in late December to early January. Visit our licensed RMS™ Reloadable Motor System™ hardware partners: Dr. Rocket's Reloadable Motor Systems™ Rouse-Tech Monster Motors™ Looking for specialized rocket motors for industrial, commercial or military applications? Visit the Industrial Solid Propulsion (ISP) website at http://www.specificimpulse.com. Looking for resources for custom rocket motor design and construction? Visit the RCS website at http://www.rocketmotorparts.com.