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Estes
Black powder model rocket engines
Model rocket engines are rated from a baseline of 2.5 Newton-seconds of
impulse, denoted as "A". Impulses between letters are rounded up to the
next letter. Each successive letter is double the last letter's
impulse, so an F engine is 2x the impulse of a E, and 32x that of an A. The
letter is followed by a number which gives average thrust, in Newtons.
A special permit is requred to fly anything larger than G size. Delay is
denoted by a number after a dash; this is the delay time in seconds.
After the delay, a charge bursts through the top of the engine to deploy
the parachute or other recovery system.
Estes has been making model rocket engines since the 1950's. They are simple
use and highly reliable. They make engines from 1/2 A though D sizes, as well
as dozens of rocket kits to fly them in. They also make booster engines,
which have no delay or ejection charge, intended as lower stages.
Engine statistics
| Specification |
1/2A6-2 |
C6-0 booster |
D12-7 |
| Propellant |
Black powder |
Black powder |
Black powder |
| Total Impulse |
1.25 N-s |
9 N-s |
17 N-s |
| Average Thrust |
6 N |
6 N |
12 N |
| Burn time |
.21 s |
1.5 s |
1.42 s |
| Motor Weight |
|
|
|
| Propellant weight |
2.6 g |
10.8 g |
21.1 g |