AEROTECH 89021 G-Force Advanced Model Rocket Instruction Manual Product Information
- May 15, 2024
- aerotech
Table of Contents
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
-
Cement the thrust ring flange to the thrust ring. Allow it to
dry. -
Cut a slot on the motor tube as per the Location Guide.
-
Mark the positions for the FIN-LOKTM rings using the Location
Guide. -
Insert the motor hook into the slot and secure it with
cement.
FIN-LOKTM ASSEMBLY
-
Align the motor hook channels with the motor hook.
-
Slide a FIN-LOKTM ring and then the middle centering ring onto
the motor tube. -
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 warranty@aerotech-rocketry.com.
· 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