89021 G-Force Advanced Model Rocket

Product Information

Specifications:

• Manufacturer: RCS Rocket Motor Components, Inc.
• Model: G-FORCETM Advanced Model Rocket
• Assembly: Required
• Length: Varies (as per parts list)
• Material: Various (as per parts list)
• Recommended Age: 14 years and above

Product Usage Instructions

MOTOR TUBE ASSEMBLY

1. Cement the thrust ring flange to the thrust ring. Allow it to
   dry.

2. Cut a slot on the motor tube as per the Location Guide.

3. Mark the positions for the FIN-LOKTM rings using the Location
   Guide.

4. Insert the motor hook into the slot and secure it with
   cement.

FIN-LOKTM ASSEMBLY

1. Align the motor hook channels with the motor hook.

2. Slide a FIN-LOKTM ring and then the middle centering ring onto
   the motor tube.

3. Ensure the FIN-LOKTM ring is positioned as per the marks made
   in Step 3.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the recommended age for using this product?

A: The recommended age for using this product is 14 years and
above.

Q: Do I need to use cement for every assembly step?

A: No, it is advised not to use cement until reaching Assembly
Step 5 for the FIN-LOKTM assembly.

Division of

RCS Rocket

Motor Components, Inc.
ADVANCED

MODEL

ROCKET

Assembly and Operation Instructions

COMPLETED G-FORCETM ADVANCED MODEL ROCKET

BEFORE YOU BEGIN
· 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 [email protected].
· DO NOT MODIFY THE DESIGN OF THIS 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 and may void this products warranty.
· Only use AeroTech composite single-use model rocket motors and RMSTM Reloadable Motor SystemTM reload kits in this model rocket. See our Motor Matrix for recommended AeroTech propulsion.

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 LIST

Qty

Description

Part #

1 Thrust Ring (7/16″ Long)

(14010)

1 Thrust Ring Flange (1/16″ Thick)

(14011)

1 Motor Tube (1 1/8″ OD x 17-3/4″ long)

(12918)

1 Motor Hook

(19001)

2 FIN-LOK Rings (3 Fin)

(19343)

3 Centering Rings (3.896″ OD)

(14029)

3 Fins

(11715)

1 Cooling Mesh

(19011)

1 Ejection Gas Baffle

(19030)

2 Screw Eyes

(19015)

1 Shock Cord (5/8″ x 18′)

(17201)

1 Econojet Motor Spacer

(14003)

1 Lower Body Tube-Slotted (3.990″ OD x 23″ Long) (14023)

1 Upper Body Tube (3.990″ OD x 19″ Long)

(14019)

1 Bulkhead Disk (3.896″ OD)

(14009)

1 Tube Coupler (3.886″ OD x 6″ Long)

(14008)

2 Launch Lugs

(19035)

1 Nose Cone

(11401)

1 42″ Nylon Parachute

(13042)

1 Decal Sheet

(18021)

1 Instruction Sheet

(19921)

ADDITIONAL MATERIALS AND TOOLS REQUIRED · 12″ ruler (with 1/16″ resolution) · Medium viscosity cyanoacrylate (cyano’) cement OR · 5 to 15 minute cure epoxy · Accelerator for cyanoacrylate cement · Hobby knife with #11 blade · 1/8″ dia. wood dowel at least 12″ long
· #240 grit sandpaper 1

19921-0100 Rev. 8/12/04
Read And Follow All Instructions
Designed By Ed LaCroix

Back Edge Of Motor Tube

2″ 51 mm

3″ 76 mm

4-1/16″ 103 mm

Front Edge of Back FINLOKTM Ring

4-5/8″ 117 mm

Tube Coupler Marking Guide

LOCATION GUIDE

Back Edge Of Front FIN-LOKTM Ring

Motor Hook Slot

MOTOR TUBE ASSEMBLY

1/4″ 6 mm

1/2″ 13 mm

Front End

Thrust Ring
Flange

Thrust Ring

Motor Tube

Motor Hook

Slot For Motor Hook

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

Line

FIN-LOKTMRing Location Marks

2″/51mm And 4-1/16″/103mm 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.
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 4-1/16″ (103 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 2″(51 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.
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 of the motor tube, insert the thrust ring assembly into the motor tube until it stops, against the motor hook tab.

FIN-LOKTM Ring

FIN-LOKTM ASSEMBLY
Thrust Ring Assembly

Front End

Middle Centering Ring

Motor Tube

Motor Hook Channels

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

turned 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 over the back end of the

hook, slide a FIN-LOKTM ring and then the middle center-

motor tube until the front edge of the FIN-LOKTM ring is

ing ring over the front end of the motor tube. Push on the

at the rear-most mark made in Step 3.

middle AERO-FIBRETMcentering ring until the back edge

of the FIN-LOKTM ring is moved to the forward most mark 3. Using the line on the motor tube as a guide, gently twist the

made in Step 3 above. (NOTE: The rings are designed to

back FIN-LOKTM ring slightly until the fin locks of the back

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

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

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

FIN-LOKTM ring.

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

2

Fin Locks

FIN-LOKTM ASSEMBLY (CONT.)
Middle Centering
Ring

Front End

Cement Beads

DO NOT ALLOW CEMENT TO GET IN THE FIN LOCKS

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. In addition, the height of the ribs on either side of the FIN-LOKTM tab may need to be reduced. Make any adjustments with a hobby knife or sandpaper. After making any changes, carefully remove the fins from the FIN-LOKTM rings. Check that the middle centering ring is still positioned next to and touching the front FIN-LOKTM 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 middle AERO- FIBRETMcentering 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 middle AERO- FIBRETM centering ring.

DO NOT CEMENT COOLING MESH INTO MOTOR TUBE

Motor Tube

LABYRINTHTM ASSEMBLY

1/4″/6mm Cuts

Baffle Flange

Shock Cord

Screw Eye

Permanent Cooling Mesh (Stretch Out – 6″)

Ejection

Front

Gas Baffle Centering

Shoulder

Ring

1. Make four 1/4″ (6mm) long cuts, 90 degrees apart, in the 4. Apply beads of cement where the baffle meets the

front end of the motor tube.

motor tube and into each of the cuts in 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 shoulder into the front end of the motor tube.

5. Apply cement to the front surface of the baffle flange and place the front AERO-FIBRETM centering ring over the front end of the baffle so it rests upon the baffle flange.
6. Screw the 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

Motor Tube Assembly

LOWER BODY AND FIN ASSEMBLY

Launch Lug

Fin

Slots

FIN-LOKTM Tab

Fin

Slot

Launch Lugs

Body Tube

1. Using a hobby knife, carefully remove any body tube material that may still be attached to the 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. 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 through a slot in the body tube and snap the fin into place. Repeat this process for the other two fins. (NOTE: Each fin should be

snug against the body tube.)
4. Through the back end of the body tube, apply cement where the fin tabs meet the motor tube, fin locks, front AERO-FIBRETMcentering ring and body tube. Through the front end of the body tube, apply cement where the baffle assembly centering ring meets the inside surface of the body tube.
5. Lightly sand the surface of the lower 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 lower 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.

Coupler Tube
Shock Cord

Pencil Mark

UPPER BODY ASSEMBLY

Screw Eye

Pencil Mark

Bulkhead

Coupler Tube Assembly

Upper Body Tube

Nose Cone Shoulder

Nose Cone

1. Screw the other screw eye all the way into the hole in the bulkhead (3/32″/2.4 mm thick). Apply a bead of cement where the screw eye meets the bulkhead.
2. Pass the free end of the shock cord through the coupler tube (6″/15 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 or the shock cord. Cement will weaken the shock cord.)
3. Cement the bulkhead to the end of the coupler tube.

4. Make a pencil mark 3″ (76 mm) from an end of the coupler tube using the location guide. Lightly sand the surface of the tube between the mark and the bulkhead. 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 pencil mark on the coupler tube.
5. Cement the nose cone into the forward end of the upper body tube.

4

Lower Body Tube Assembly

FINAL ASSEMBLY AND FINISHING

Centering Ring

Shock Cord

Upper Body Tube Assembly

1. Slide the remaining centering ring over the back of the motor tube and motor hook and push it against the back FIN-LOKTM ring. Apply a bead of cement where the centering ring meets the body tube.
2. Clean the rocket with a damp cloth. Paint the entire rocket with a primer coat of light gray paint. Let the primer dry. Paint the lower body tube assembly with a gloss black paint and the upper body tube assembly with a “sea foam

green” gloss paint (CAUTION: Make sure the paint is compatible with high impact polystyrene plastic.).
3. Tie a loop in the middle of the shock cord. Thread the 42″ (107cm) parahute shroud lines through the loop in the shock cord. Stretch out the shroud lines of the parachute so that the lines form three (3) loops on top of the other. Pass the canopy of the parachute through the three (3) loops made by the shroud lines and pull tight.

CUTAWAY VIEW OF COMPLETED G-FORCETM

DECAL INSTRUCTIONS

VEHICLE DATA Length: 60″/152cm Diameter: 4.0″/10.2cm Nose Cone: 4:1 Ogive Weight (Without Motor): 32oz/970 gms. Fins: 3 Tapered swept with compound airfoil Stages: 1 Motor Mount: 29mm Recovery System: 42″ Parachute

1. Reference the photograph of the completed G-Force

bowl with warm water and put one or two drops of a

rocket on the first page of these instructions for proper

dishwashing detergent into the water.

decal positioning.

6. Carefully peel a decal off its backing, dip it into the

2. Handle the decal sheet carefully to avoid damage. Do not

detergent solution and apply the decal to the rocket. The

crease the decal sheet.

detergent solution prevents the adhesive on the decal

from “grabbing” the rocket surface too quickly and allows

3. Use a pair of sharp scissors or a hobby knife to cut out the

accurate positioning of the decal.

decals.

7. Gently press any air bubbles out from under the decal and

4. Make smooth cuts. Small nicks can cause a decal to tear

then dab the decal dry.

when it is being peeled off the backing sheet.

8. Apply the rest of the decals in the same manner.

5. Before starting to peel decals off their backings, fill a soup

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. Start from the canopy peak and roll the parachute and shroud lines into a tight cylinder that will easily slide into the tube coupler assembly. Place this parachute into the tube coupler assembly followed by the shock cord. Insert the remaining shock cord length into the body tube and insert the coupler tube for the upper body assembly. Make sure that the parachutes, shroud lines and shock cords are not caught between the body tube and the tube coupler assembly. The tube coupler assembly should slide freely into the lower body assembly. (NOTE: Because your AEROTECH rocket has the LABYRINTHTM ejection gas cooling system, no recovery wadding is required.)

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.
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.

3. MOTOR PREPARATION: The motors recommended for your AEROTECH rocket vary in physical size as well as performance. Your rocket comes with a spacer tube that permits 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 screw eyes attached to the ejection gas baffle and tube coupler assembly bulkhead.
· Check that the parachute is securely tied to the shock cord.
· Check that the shock cord and parachute are free of any damage.
· See that the tube coupler assembly, packed parachute and shock cord move freely. After awhile, an ejection charge residue may build up on 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

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.
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.

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

Made in U.S.A. ©2004 RCS Rocket Motor Components, Inc., All rights reserved.
6

Motor Retainer Upgrade Notice
G-Force 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 with this kit: Thrust Ring (14010) Thrust Ring Flange (14011) Motor Hook (19001)
STEP 2.
Disregard the following Steps in the instructions: MOTOR TUBE ASSEMBLY ­ Disregard Step 1, Step 2, Step 4.
STEP 3.
Follow the instructions included with your 29mm motor retainer to install it on the motor tube AFTER completing installation of the Rear Centering Ring in STEP 1 of FINAL ASSEMBLY AND FINISHING.
19921UN 05/15

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