AEROTECH IQSY Tomahawk Scale Model Rocket Instruction Manual

: May 15, 2024
: aerotech

Table of Contents

IQSY Tomahawk Scale Model Rocket
Specifications:
Product Usage Instructions:
Assembly Instructions:
- FAQ:
Q: What type of cement should be used for assembly?
Q: How should I position the adaptor rings on the motor adaptor
Q: How many fins are included in the kit?

IQSY Tomahawk Scale Model Rocket

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Specifications:

Brand: Tomahawk
Model: IQSY Tomahawk Scale Model Rocket
Manufacturer: RCS Rocket Motor Components, Inc.
Components: Multiple parts listed in the manual

Product Usage Instructions:

Assembly Instructions:

MOTOR ADAPTOR

Lightly sand the motor adaptor tube and slide an adaptor ring
onto each end of the tube. Apply cement where the rings meet the
tube.
Insert the E motor spacer tube into the motor adaptor tube
without cementing in place.

MOTOR TUBE ASSEMBLY

Cement the thrust ring flange to the thrust ring and set aside
to dry.
Cut a slot on the motor tube as per the Location Guide and make
marks for the FIN-LOKTM rings.
Insert the tab of the motor hook into the slot on the motor
tube and apply cement inside the tube behind the hook.

FAQ:

Q: What type of cement should be used for assembly?

A: Medium viscosity cyanoacrylate cement is recommended for
assembling the components of the Tomahawk Scale Model Rocket.

Q: How should I position the adaptor rings on the motor adaptor

tube?

A: Slide an adaptor ring onto each end of the tube, ensuring one
ring marks the front end and the other is positioned 3/4 (19 mm)
from the back end of the tube.

Q: How many fins are included in the kit?

A: The kit includes 4 fins for assembly onto the rocket
body.

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TomahI QawS Yk Division

of

RCS

Rocket

Motor

Components, Inc.
SCALE

MODEL

ROCKET

Assembly and Operation Instructions

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

COMPLETED IQSY TOMAHAWK SCALE MODEL ROCKET

19914-0600 Rev. 8/12/04

· Study the illustrations and sequence of assembly. The sequence of assembly is important. Review the parts list and become familiar with all parts before assembly. If any parts are missing or damaged, contact RCS at 1-435-8657100 or email at warranty@aerotech-rocketry.com.
· DO NOT MODIFY THE DESIGN OF THE ROCKET. Changes to the design of the rocket such as, but not limited to, reducing the fin size, shortening the body tube, or modifying the motor tube assembly can adversely affect the flight stability of the rocket.
· Only use AEROTECH® Composite Model Rocket Motors in this model rocket. See recommended AEROTECH® motors chart on box label.

Read And Follow All Instructions
Tomahawk is a tradename of the Thiokol Corp., Ogden, UT

Read and follow the Model Rocket Safety Code of the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) and comply with all federal, state and local laws in all activities with model rockets.

PARTS:

Motor adaptor tube (4-7/8″/124mm)(12421)

1

Adaptor rings (1/2″/13mm)

(14001)

2

“E” spacer tube (2-1/8″/54mm) (14002)

1

Thrust ring (7/16″/11mm)

(14010)

1

Thrust ring flange (1/16″/1.6mm) (14011)

1

Motor tube (12″/30.5cm)

(12912)

1

Motor hook

(19001)

1

FIN-LOKTM rings-4 fin

(19344)

2

Centering rings (1-25/32″/46mm) (14829)

2

Fins

(11714)

4

Cooling mesh

(19011)

1

Ejection gas baffle

(19030)

1

Screw eyes

(19015)

2

Shock cord (8’/2.4m)

(17388)

1

Slotted body tube (22-3/4″/58cm) (11925)

1

Upper body tube (9″/23cm)

(11909)

1

Coupler tube (4″/102mm)

(11804)

1

Bulkhead (1/16″/1.6 mm)

(14809)

1

Launch lugs

(19035)

2

Nose cone

(11191)

1

Adhesive decal sheet

(18014)

1

Parachute (22″/56cm diameter)

(13022)

1

“F” spacer tube (1″/25mm)

(14003)

1

Blueprint

(19814)

1

Instructions

(19914)

1

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS: (Use medium viscosity cyanoacrylate cement.)

MOTOR ADAPTOR

1. Lightly sand the motor adaptor tube and then slide an adaptor ring onto the tube until the end of the ring is flush with the end of the tube. This ring marks the front end of the adaptor tube. Slide the other adaptor ring onto the other end of the adaptor tube until the back edge of the ring is 3/4″ (19 mm) from the back end of the tube. Apply beads of cement where the rings meet the adaptor tube.

Cement Bead

2. Insert the “E” motor spacer tube into the motor adaptor tube and position it at the front end of the adaptor tube. DO NOT cement in place. 1

3/4″ 19mm

Adaptor Rings
Motor Adaptor
Tube

Front End
Cement Bead
3/4″ 19 mm

13/16″ 21 mm

2-7/8″ 73 mm

Back Edge Of Motor Tube

Front Edge Of Back FIN-LOKTM
Ring

4-5/8″ 117 mm

Back Edge Of Front FIN-LOKTM
Ring

LOCATION GUIDE
Motor Hook Slot

1/4″ 6 mm

1/2″ 13 mm

Thrust Ring
Flange

Thrust Ring

Motor Tube

Motor Hook

MOTOR TUBE ASSEMBLY

Line

Front End

Slot For Motor Hook

4-5/8″/117mm From Back Edge Of
Motor Tube

FIN-LOKTMRing Location Marks

13/16″/21mm And 2-7/8″/73mm From Back Edge Of Motor Tube

1. Cement the thrust ring flange (1/16″/1.6 mm thick) to the thrust ring (7/16″/11 mm long). Set the thrust ring assembly aside to dry.

mm) from the back end of the motor tube. This mark locates where the front edge of the rear most FIN-LOKTM ring will be.

2. Find the line drawn along the side of the motor tube. Using the Location Guide printed along the top edge of this instruction sheet, cut a 1/4″ (6 mm) long slot 4-5/8″ (117mm) from the back end of the motor tube and next to the line on the motor tube as shown.
3. Using the Location Guide, make a mark along the motor tube line 2-7/8″ (73 mm) from the back end of the motor tube. This mark locates where the back edge of the front FIN-LOKTM ring will be. Make another mark 13/16″ (21

4. Insert the tab of the motor hook into the slot cut into the motor tube. Use a small dowel to apply several drops of cement around the inside of the motor tube just behind where the motor hook comes through the motor tube wall. Then, with the thrust ring flange facing the back, insert the thrust ring assembly into the motor tube. Use the motor adaptor to push the thrust ring assembly forward until it stops against the tab of the motor hook. Remove the motor adaptor.

FIN-LOKTM Ring

FIN-LOKTM ASSEMBLY

Front End

AERO-FIBRETM Centering Ring

Motor Tube

Motor Hook Channels

NOTE: FROM THIS POINT ON, DO NOT USE ANY CEMENT UNTIL REACHING ASSEMBLY STEP 5.

after they are on the motor tube, use a small piece of cloth to provide a better grip.)

1. With their motor hook channels aligned with the motor 2. Slide the other FIN-LOKTM ring and then a centering ring

hook, slide a FIN-LOKTM ring and then an AERO-FI-

over the back end of the motor tube. Push on the

BRETM centering ring over the front end of the motor

centering ring until the front edge of the FIN-LOKTM ring

tube. Push on the centering ring until the back edge of the

is at the rear-most mark made in Step 3.

FIN-LOKTM ring is moved to the forward most mark made

in Step 3 above. (NOTE: The rings are designed to be a 3. Using the line on the motor tube as a guide, gently twist the

tight fit on the motor tube. If the rings are difficult to slide

back centering ring slightly until the fin locks of the back

onto the motor tube, round the inside edges of the rings

FIN-LOKTM ring are aligned with the fin locks of the front

with sandpaper. If the FIN-LOKTM rings need to be turned 2

FIN-LOKTM ring.

Fin Locks

FIN-LOKTM ASSEMBLY (CONT.)
Front Centering
Ring

Front End

Cement Beads
4. Test the proper positioning and alignment of the FINLOKTM rings by snapping the fins into the fin locks. If any fin does not snap into place, check to see that each FINLOKTM ring is the correct distance from the back end of the motor tube and that the fin has no plastic flashing left from production that may be preventing a proper fit. Remove any plastic flashing with a hobby knife or sandpaper. After making any adjustments, carefully remove the fins and the back centering ring. Check that the front centering ring is still positioned next to and touching the front FINLOKTM ring.
5. Apply a bead of cement where the front centering ring meets the motor tube. Without getting cement into any of the finlocks, apply cement only to the areas BETWEEN the finlocks where the front FIN-LOKTM ring meets the

DO NOT ALLOW CEMENT TO GET IN THE FIN LOCKS
front centering ring and the motor tube.
6. Without getting cement into any of the fin locks, apply cement only to the areas BETWEEN the fin locks where only the front edge of the back FIN- LOKTMring meets the motor tube. DO NOT apply cement to the back edge of the back FIN-LOKTM ring. (NOTE: The unique AEROTECH® FIN-LOKTM fin mounting system carries and distributes aerodynamic and thrust loads throughout an integrated rocket structure in a manner found in large aerospace vehicles. Loads are primarily borne by structural members and not cement.)
7. Apply a bead of cement around the motor hook forward of the front centering ring.

LABYRINTHTM ASSEMBLY

DO NOT CEMENT COOLING MESH INTO MOTOR TUBE
Motor Tube

1/4″/6mm Cuts

Baffle Flange

Screw Eye

Shock Cord

Permanent Cooling Mesh (Stretch Out – 6″)

Ejection Gas Baffle Shoulder

1. Make four 1/4″ (6mm) long cuts, 90 degrees apart, in the front end of the motor tube.

shoulder all the way into the front end of the motor tube.

2. Stretch out the cooling mesh to about 6″ (15cm) in length. Insert the cooling mesh into the front end of the motor tube. (NOTE: Do not cement the mesh into the motor tube.)
3. Apply a thin film of cement to the front 2/3rd’s of the shoulder of the ejection gas baffle and insert the baffle

4. Apply beads of cement where the baffle meets the motor tube and into each of the cuts in the motor tube.
5. Screw a screw eye all the way into the hole at the front end of the baffle. Securely tie an end of the shock cord to the screw eye with a square knot. (CAUTION: Do not put cement on the knot of the shock cord. Cement will weaken the shock cord.)

3

Lower half of FIN-LOKTM tab
(discard)

LOWER BODY AND FIN ASSEMBLY Fin

Launch Lug

Sand here to remove jagged
edges

FIN-LOKTM Tab

Shock Cord

FIN DETAIL

Fin

Motor

Slot

Tube

Assembly

Fin Root

Launch Lug Slot

Body Tube

1. Using a hobby knife, carefully remove any body tube material that may still be attached to any pre-cut slots in the body tube.
2. Insert the loose end of the shock cord and then the motor tube assembly into the back of the rocket body tube as shown. Position the motor tube assembly so that the fin locks are located under and visible through the body tube’s pre-cut fin slots.
3. Use a pair of pliers to snap off the lower half of the FINLOKTM tab from each of the four (4) fins as shown. Discard the pieces that were broken off. Sand the edge of the fin tabs to remove any jagged edges from where the lower half of the fin tabs were removed.
4. Apply cement along the full length of the fin root of a fin (area of the fin that makes contact with the outside surface of the body tube). Carefully insert the fin tab through a slot in the body tube and push the fin in until it makes contact with the FIN-LOKTM ring. Snap the forward part of the fin tab into the forward FIN-LOKTM ring. Then snap the back

part of the fin tab into the back FIN-LOKTM ring. Gently wiggle the fin from side to side to make sure the body tube “pops” back into position against the fin root surface. Repeat this process for the other three fins.
5. Through the back end of the body tube, apply cement where the fin tabs meet the motor tube, fin locks, front centering ring and body tube. Through the front end of the body tube, apply cement where the baffle flange meets the inside surface of the body tube
6. Lghtly sand the surface of the body tube around the launch lug slots. Apply cement to the base of a launch lug. With the sloping portion of the launch lug toward the front of the body tube, insert the tab on the bottom of the lug into one of the pre-cut launch lug slots in the body tube. Repeat this process for the other launch lug.
7. Paint the rocket body and three fins flat white. Paint the fourth fin flat black. (CAUTION: Make sure the paint is compatible with high impact polystyrene plastic.)

Mark

UPPER BODY ASSEMBLY

Coupler Tube
Shock Cord

Screw Eye

Bulkhead

Upper Body Tube

Nose Cone

1. Screw the other screw eye all the way in to the hole in the bulkhead (1/16″/1.6 mm thick). Apply a bead of cement where the screw eye meets the bulkhead.

Lightly sand the surface of the tube between the mark and the bulkhead.

2. Pass the free end of the shock cord through the coulper tube (4″/ 10 cm long) and securely tie it to the screw eye attached to the bulkhead with a square knot. (CAUTION: Do not put cement on the knot of the shock cord. Cement will weaken the shock cord.)

5. Paint the upper body tube flat white (NOTE: See “Precision Scale Notes”, on page 5). Use a small dowel to apply a bead of cement around the inside of the upper body tube about 1″ (25 mm) from the end of the tube. Then slide the coupler tube into the upper body tube up to the mark on the coupler tube.

3. Cement the bulkhead to the end of the coupler tube.

6. Paint the nose cone red and cement the nose cone into

the forward end of the upper body tube

4. Make a mark 2″ (51 mm) from an end of the coupler tube. 4

Centering Ring

Self Adhesive
Decals

FINAL ASSEMBLY AND FINISHING

Shroud Line Loops

Shroud Lines

Shock Cord

Nose Cone

Fabric Parachute
Canopy

1. Slide the other centering ring over the back of the motor tube and motor hook and push it against the back FINLOKTM ring. Apply a bead of cement where the centering ring meets the body tube.
2. Carefully cut out the self adhesive decals and apply them to the rocket body and fins. See “Decal Instructions” for helpful hints. Use the blueprint as a guide to proper positioning.

about one (1) foot away from the upper body assembly in the following manner. Stretch out the shroud lines of the parachute so that the lines form three (3) loops on on top of the other. Lay the shock cord across all the shroud lines. Pass the canopy of the parachute over the shock cord and through the three (3) loops made by the shroud lines and pull tight. Pack the parachute and insert the upper body assembly into the lower body assembly.

3. Fasten the fabric parachute to the shock cord at a point

DECAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. Handle the decal sheet carefully to avoid damage. Do not crease the decal sheet.

bowl with warm water and put one or two drops of a dishwashing detergent into the water.

2. Use a pair of sharp scissors or a hobby knife to cut out the 6. Carefully peel a decal off its backing, dip it into the

decals.

detergent solution and apply the decal to the rocket. The

detergent solution prevents the adhesive on the decal

3. Cutting out decals that will be positioned close together

from “grabbing” the rocket surface too quickly and allows

on the rocket as one block will make them easier to apply.

accurate positioning of the decal.

4. Make smooth cuts. Small knicks can cause a decal to 7. Gently press any air bubbles out from under the decal and

tear when it is being peeled off the backing sheet.

then dab the decal dry.

5. Before starting to peel decals off their backings, fill a soup 8. Apply the rest of the decals in the same manner.

PRECISION SCALE NOTES

1. For true scale precision, paint the forward 1/2″ (12mm) of 3. Study the blueprint carefully to become familiar with the

the upper body tube assembly the same color red as the

exact location of the decals. Here are some things to look

nose cone.

for. The flush telemetry antenna is aligned midway between

the black fin and a white fin. The silver bolt heads on the

2. Also, position the black adhesive decal that represents

nose cone and telemetry section are aligned with each

the IQSY TOMAHAWK telemetry section 1/2″ (12 mm)

other. There are four (4) decals that represent the ring-and-

away from the forward end of the upper body assembly.

flange assembly that attaches the fins to the body of the real

The forward edge of the black decal should meet the rear

IQSY TOMAHAWK. Two of the decals have a center line

edge of the red band described in Step 1 above. The

and two do not. One decal without a center line should be

decal showing a line of silver bolt heads should be applied

between the black fin and a white fin and in line with the flush

on the red area just forward of the black telemetry section.

antenna. The other decal without a center line should be

directly opposite the first. 5

OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. RECOMMENDED MOTORS: Only use AEROTECH composite model rocket motors when flying your AEROTECH rocket. See enclosed chart for recommended motors and projected altitudes.
2. RECOVERY SYSTEM PREPARATION: Roll the parachute and shroud lines, starting from the canopy peak, into a loose cylinder that will easily slide into the lower body assembly body tube. Pack the long portion of the shock cord into the body tube first. Next, insert the parachute. Finally, insert the short length of shock cord into the body tube on top of the parachute and put on the nose cone (or payload bay if your rocket has one). Make sure that the parachute, shroud lines and shock cord are not caught between the body tube and the shoulder of the nose cone or payload bay. The nose cone or payload bay should slide freely. (NOTE: Because your AEROTECH rocket has the LABYRINTHTM ejection gas cooling system, no recovery wadding is required.)
3. MOTOR PREPARATION: The motors recommended for your AEROTECH rocket vary in physical size as well as performance. Your rocket comes with a changeable motor adaptor and spacer tubes that permit the the rocket to use each of the recommended motors without permanent modification to the rocket.
Prepare your AEROTECH rocket motor according to the instructions that come with the motor. Be sure the motor hook snaps in behind the nozzle end of the motor and holds the motor securely in place. If the motor hook does not hold the motor in place, bend the end of the hook until it does.
4. PRE-LAUNCH CHECKOUT: Before EVERY flight, perform a complete pre-launch checkout of your rocket;
· Check that all fins and launch lugs are mounted securely and not damaged.
· Examine the body tube, nose cone and payload bay to make sure
they are free of damage.
· Check that the shock cord is securely mounted to the ejection gas baffle and nose cone (or payload bay bulkhead).
· Check that the parachute is securely tied to the shock cord.

5. LAUNCH PAD: Your AEROTECH rocket must be flown from a launch pad with a 1/4″(6.4mm) diameter metal launch rod at least 36″(0.9m) long (as measured from the top of the blast deflector), such as the AEROTECH MANTISTM model rocket launch pad.
6. MOTOR IGNITION: Only launch your rocket using a remotely controlled and electrically operated launch controller such as the AEROTECH® INTERLOCKTM model rocket launch controller. Keep yourself and all other people at least 30 feet (10 meters) away from the rocket during launch.
7. LAUNCH AREA: Launch the rocket in a cleared outdoor area free of tall trees, power lines and buildings. The side dimensions of the cleared area should be at least one half of the projected altitude. An area for a radius of at least 5 feet (1.5 meters) from the launcher should be clear of dry grass or other flammable substances. Read and follow the Model Rocket Safety Code of the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) and comply with all federal, state and local laws in all activities with model rockets. A copy of the NAR safety code is shown on the instructions that come with all AEROTECH composite model rocket motors.
8. FLIGHT PROFILE: When the launch button of the electrical launch controller is pressed, an electrical current causes the AEROTECH COPPERHEADTM single lead igniter to ignite the composite propellant of the AEROTECH rocket motor. The motor quickly builds up thrust and powers your AEROTECH rocket into the air. During powered flight the rocket increases in speed and altitude. When the propellant burns out the rocket is moving at maximum velocity and a time delay material (delay grain) inside the motor burns. While the delay grain burns the rocket coasts to peak altitude at which point the delay grain ignites the ejection charge within the forward part of the motor. The ignition of the ejection charge creates a burst of hot expanding gas which is cooled by the permanent metal mesh of the LABYRINTHTM ejection gas cooling system. The cooled gas flows around the baffle, pressurizes the parachute bay and ejects the nose cone (or payload bay) and parachute. The parachute then deploys and gently returns the rocket to the ground where the rocket can be prepared for another flight.
9. TRANSPORT AND STORAGE: To avoid damage to your AEROTECH rocket during transport, pack it in a box surrounded by soft packing. Store your rocket at room temperature.

· Check that the shock cord and parachute are free of any damage.

· See that the nose cone (or payload bay), packed parachute and shock cord move freely. After awhile, an ejection charge residue may build up at the top inside surface of the body tube. Wipe this residue away with isopropyl (“rubbing”) alcohol.

· With the tail of the rocket pointed down and the motor tube empty, shake the rocket to remove any loose ejection charge debris left from a previous flight. Periodically, fluff up the cooling mesh using a bent wire inserted through the back end of the motor tube.

· Be certain the motor to be used is a recommended AEROTECH model rocket motor and of a size appropriate for the launch area.

· Be sure the motor hook, motor adaptor and motor tube are not damaged and hold the motor securely in place.

If the pre-launch checkout reveals any damage, repair the damage before the rocket is flown again.

NOTICE: As we cannot control the storage and use of our products, once sold we cannot assume any responsibility for product storage, transportation or usage. RCS shall not be held responsible for any personal injury or property damage resulting from the handling, storage or use of our product. The buyer assumes all risks and liabilities therefrom and accepts and uses AeroTech/RCS products on these conditions.

No warranty either expressed or implied is made regarding AeroTech/RCS products, except for replacement or repair, at RCS’s option, of those products which are proven to be defective in manufacture within one year from the date of original purchase. For repair or replacement under this warranty, please contact RCS. Proof of purchase will be required. Note: Your state may provide additional rights not covered by this warranty.

AeroTech Division RCS Rocket Motor Components, Inc. Cedar City, UT 84720 www .aerotech-rocketry.com

ATTENTION!
READ THIS BEFORE FLYING YOUR IQSY TOMAHAWK
The AEROTECH® IQSY TOMAHAWK Scale Model Rocket loaded with an AEROTECH “E” or “F” motor weighs less than one (1) pound at liftoff; however when fitted with an AEROTECH “G” motor, the IQSY TOMAHAWK will weigh in excess of one (1) pound. When flying a model rocket that weighs over one (1) pound at liftoff you must observe some additional FAA regulations. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations (FAR 101-subpart C) currently require that anyone planning to launch a model rocket weighing over one (1) pound but no more than 3.3 pounds at liftoff must notify (such as by telephone call) the nearest FAA Air Traffic Control (ATC) facility no less than 24 hours and no more than 48 hours in advance of the launch of such a rocket and provide the following information:
a) The names and addresses of the operators; except when there are multiple participants at a single event; the name and address of the person so designated as the event launch coordinator, whose duties include coordination of the required launch data estimates and coordinating the launch event;
b) The estimated number of rockets to be operated; c) The estimated size and estimated weight of each rocket; and d) The estimated highest altitude or flight level to which each rocket will be operated. e) The location of the operation. f) The date, time, and duration of the operation. g) Any other pertinent information requested by the ATC facility. Rockets weighing over one (1) pound but no more than 3.3 pounds at liftoff must not be launched within 5 miles of an airport runway or other landing area unless the information listed above is also provided to the manager of that airport. In addition, no person may operate an unmanned rocket that weighs over one (1) pound but no more than 3.3 pounds at liftoff: 1) In a manner that creates a collision hazard with other aircraft. 2) At an altitude where clouds or obscuring phenomena of more than five/tenths coverage prevails. 3) At any altitude where the horizontal visibility is less than five (5) miles. 4) Into any cloud.
Read and follow the Model Rocket Safety Code of the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) and comply with all federal, state and local laws in all activities with model rockets. FLY SAFELY!
©2004 RCS Rocket Motor Components, Inc., All rights reserved.
7

Motor Retainer Upgrade Notice IQSY TOMAHAWK Kit
Your kit now includes a new improved screw-on motor retainer. Please follow these instructions.
STEP 1.
The following parts are NO LONGER included in this kit: Thrust Ring (14010), Thrust Ring Flange (14011) Motor Hook (19001) Motor Adapter Tube (12421) Adaptor Rings (2) (14001)
STEP 2.
Disregard the following Steps in the instructions:
MOTOR ADAPTOR Disregard Step 1 and Step 2. MOTOR TUBE ASSEMBLY Disregard Step 1, Step 2, Step 4.

Use the LOCATION GUIDE above to make pencil marks along the motor tube line for location of the FIN-LOK rings per STEP 3. The new marks will move the motor tube rearward so that it is flush with the end of the body tube.
Follow Step 1 of FIN-LOK ASSEMBLY using new location marks as above.

STEP 3.

Follow the instructions included with your 29mm motor retainer to install it on end of motor

tube AFTER completing installation of the Rear Centering Ring in STEP 1 of FINAL ASSEMBLY

AND FINISHING.

19914UN 05/15