How to build a missile silo for a model rocket?
Building a silo for a model rocket is a lot less complicated than it would seem. Really, there are about two steps you’ll need to follow through on to get it done.
The Missile Silo
Your model rocket will need an effective missile silo if you want it to start its flight correctly. The beginning of the flight will set the bar for the entire trip. A simple piece of pvc pipe is suprisingly condusive to a good beginning. Obviously you’ll want to measure the width of the thickest part of your model rocket, and, when buying your pipe, make sure that the inside of it is a little wider than your model rocket. You can get the pipe at any Lowes or Home Depot.
The Launch System
The launch system must provide twenty feet of wire or more betwixt the launch pad and the person lucky enough to be pushing the button. There must be a positive safety interlock, to make sure that no power can get to the igniter while it is being connected. The last thing you want is a spark igniting the whole thing. This interlock can be a key switch or a plug that is removed from the launch controller. Pratt hobbies go box system has the cable completely unplugged from the launch controller until you are ready to launch. This is good for single pad launches, but not very convenient for multiple pad setups. Below is a list of sources for launch pad design.
Sources
National Association of Rocketry ( Highly recomended by many)
Quest Aerospace
Estes Industries
Apogee Components
Rocketry Online
It’s absolutely “possible”… a length of PVC pipe and an electrical launch system and you’re in business. Be VERY careful though here in the USA… you may have county and municipal restrictions on launching… doing it in a local park MAY turn a happy hobby launch into a felony. Launch an Estes rocket in Calaveras County between March and November and you ARE going to face a felony.
