Boiler Plate Motor Parts

I did some simple modifications to the SStS DDS BPS Motor in anticipation of an upcoming firing.  This is a nice looking motor and I can't wait for the firing...should be cool!  Here is a photo of one of the parts in the lathe and the same part being test fitted in the motor casing.

Nice Engine Firing!

I happend across this video earlier today and I couldn't help but notice that the mountains in the background looked awfully familar.  Once I heard the countdown, I knew I was right.  Ten years or so ago I'd heard the same voice calmly proclaim "test complete" following a massive cato during the largest solid rocket motor firing I have ever witnessed.  Cool stuff!

Nike Ajax Restoration

I ran across this blog detailing a Nike Ajax missile restoration effort currentlly taking place at the former Nike battery site NY-56 in Hancock New Jersey.

http://ny56nikeajax.blogspot.com/

I've seen one of these up close at the local VFW...big, cool missle. There are numerous pics of a Nike missile being dissassembled including this one that shows how the fins are mounted.

Star Shaped Core

I've been trying to come up with a way to create a star shaped core without the need for a machined
mandrel and a way that would also reduce the risk of having to deal with a stuck mandrel.  The above image
illustrates what I came up with.  I'm currently making a version of this jig that has several features added in so that I can actually try to cast a grain with this set-up. The most notable features are a star shape on the base that helps seal the bottom so that propellant doesn't seep under and into the core, a hole in the center of the base to ease the installation of the tape, and a secondary top cap which helps to keep everything centered.

Motor Casing complete

Completed Motor casing for SStS motor test.