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(122 votes) Published: Sep 05, 2006 4:54 p.m. In 4 Favorites Lists Viewed 743 times
Basic Rocket Launcher
Be honest. How many times have you wished you had your very own bazooka? Maybe the last time some asshole almost ran you over on the highway. Maybe the last time that squirrel tore up your birdfeeder. Well, now you can make your own dumbfire (non guided) missile launcher.
Materials:
One long piece of PVC pipe, 3 to 5 feet long, with a diameter of about 6 inches.
One piece of thin pipe, like drainpipe, that fits inside the larger pipe, and will slide freely down it. It should be as close to the size of the larger pipe as possible.
Some sheet metal, suitable for making fins.
Several model rocket engines. C or D class engines are the best. If you really feel like going extreme, you can make you own, larger engines.
The proper equipment for igniting model rockets. An igniter switch, plugs, and wire will be needed.
Some strong tape.
Some epoxy putty.
Equipment:
Tin snips, a bandsaw, a Dremel, or something that can cut sheet metal with reasonable accuracy.
A saw for cutting PVC pipe.
Procedure:
1. Making the launcher is dead simple. Securely tape the model rocket igniter to the side of the pipe. Tape the wire to the pipe as well, so it isnt swinging around when you try to aim the thing. Tape the end of the wire with the alligator clips on it to the end of the pipe so that it has about 6 inches of play.
2. Making the ammunition for said rocket launcher is a little bit trickier. First, use some epoxy putty to make a nosecone directly on the end of a model rocket engine.
3. This will take a little measurement. Cut four triangular fins out of the sheet metal. Epoxy putty them to the sides of the engine. Make sure you cut them the right size for you to fit the assembly inside the smaller piece of pipe and be able to affix the ends of the fins to the inside of the pipe. The diagram on the right is a head on view of this assembly.
4. Cut a piece of the smaller pipe off, about 2 inches long. Epoxy putty the fins of the rocket to it. This will ensure that the missile travels straight down the barrel without tumbling, changing direction, or getting stuck.
5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 to make as many missiles as you want, or have the materials for.
To use the missile launcher, first insert the missile nose forward into the back of the launcher. Put the igniter plug in the engine, and attach the alligator clips to the plug. Make sure that you hold the launcher over your shoulder with a foot or two of it extending behind you. Trust me, the last thing you want is rocket smoke in your face. Aim, and press the button on the igniter.
Effects:
The rocket will fly off in the general direction that you aimed the launcher. Its accuracy depends on how well the ring part of the rocket fits into the launcher, how straight your fins are, and how balanced the rocket is.
Unfortunately, reloading the launcher takes some time. Make sure that you have a good supply of igniter plugs if you plan to fire the launcher more than once.
Modification:
The most common cause of misfires with this launcher is the alligator clips touching. If the clips touch, they short circuit and the rocket doesnt ignite. This can be easily remedied by insulating the clips with some electrical tape.
As usual, the sky is the limit. Longer pipes will generally give you more accuracy. Larger engines will increase range. Scopes, crosshairs, and laser sights all help you hit those lonely cans on the fencepost.
The rockets outlined here do not explode. If this is your desired result, you can tape a cratermaker to the front of your rockets instead of a nosecone. Scrape the clay out of the end of the rocket engine and make sure the fuse touches the fuel inside. Alternatively, you can add a percussion cap to the nosecone of the rocket so it will explode on contact with a solid object.[/size]
Sep 05, 2006 9:05 pm - even though this doesnt have pics, its still sounds very clear because you changed the style of writing. so it gets a 5* from me. i will give you a 5* on your profile if you add a real pic as the primary image
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