Information > Model Rocketry

This is where most people start in their rocketing journey. Model rocketry is great fun and enjoyed by thousands of people in the UK, ranging from schools, scouts, and local rocket clubs.

When cloud cover is low, they are a good alternative to have in the car to make sure you at least fly something.

The following are the general criteria for a model rocket:

Made from non metallic parts, such as paper, balsa, cardboard etc.
Weighs less than 1.5kg
Uses a commercially available rocket motor of impulse A-D.

To start in model rocketry, you will need the following:

Engines - Model rocket engines contain a black powder based propellant. This propellant provides the thrust to launch your rocket. Also inside the paper casing is a delay substance. This will burn and just provide smoke during the coast phase. Once it has burnt through the delay phase, it will meet the ejection charge. This will ignite and provide pressure to push off your nose cone and release your parachute. Motors come in various sizes and have various delays to allow you to choose the point at which your parachute will be ejected.

Igniters - This is a small piece of wire with a flammable substance at the end. A small electric charge is placed across the wire to ignite the flammable substance. When placed inside the end of the rocket motor, this provides the ignition method to fire the engine.These are included in packets of Estes engines.

Launch Controller - This is a small electronic device which delivers a 6 volt charge to an igniter which is placed inside the rocket engine. the device runs on 4 standa AA batteries.

Launch Pad - This is the platform which holds the launch rod. When launching, you simply slide the rocket over the launch rod.

A great way to get started and get all the above (except engines) is to purchase a Ready To Fly Starter Kit. These kits include the rocket, the launch pad, the launch controller and some wadding. All you really need on top of that is some engines.

What does it cost?

Most people are suprised by how little some of the kits cost, you can get up an running for as little as about £25. Typically most people start with a ReadyTo-Fly Starter Kit. They are a great way of getting everything you need to start with (except the engines).

What about safety?

If flown correctly, model rockets are very safe, however if you are reckless and irresponsible then of course they can cause harm just the same as fireworks can. Model rocket engines (A-D) are basically classed as pyrotechnic devices and therefore you should treat them in a similar fashion and with the same respect. You will need to store them in the same way. Keep them out of the reach of children and in a dry safe place.

What are the legal requirements for motors?

Model rocket engines are classed as pyrotechnics and therefore you must be 18 years of age to purchase them. There are no legal requirements to storage unless you are storing a lot of model rocket engines. You only need to start worrying about paperwork when you get to 5kg, and that is net weight, not gross. So by the time you discount the packaging etc, you would need to store for example more than 158 packets of C6-5 motors (and thats 3 engines per pack) before you need to complete any paperwork. This is only for model rocket engines made by Estes and Quest.

Whats Next?

Once you have flown your rocket a couple of times, if it is an Estes rocket, you will discover the chutes are a bit inadequate. Sometimes if you dont pack enough wadding in, your chute may fail on the first go. Top Flight Recovery do a great parachute range for model rockets. These chutes are made from ripstop nylon and fold into a small space. For just a few pounds you can get a decent alternative that will last dozens of flights.

Once you have flown your starter kit a few times, you will need to replenish your stock of engines and wadding.