The Model Rocketry Handbook

For sheer excitement, the launch of a model rocket takes a lot of beating. The tension of the countdown, ignition, a blast of flame and smoke and your creation boosts skywards. The spectacle of a detailed scale rocket hurtling skywards then either drifting down on a recovery parachute or a high-performance boost glider circling in a thermal current immediately brings to mind thoughts of interplanetary travel and the infinity of space. Author Stuart Lodge has experienced all forms of model rocketry and built up a depth of experience of the science and practice of this futuristic hobby. This book describes the physics and chemistry for those who want to explore the hobby in-depth but also enables the newcomer to gain the knowledge to safely enjoy it. The whole spectrum of the hobby is covered including history, scale, functional model construction, propellants, stability, recovery and ground support systems.