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Overview
Overview
Event Format: The event is flown in three standard rounds, each with a maximum flight duration of 300 seconds. If needed, the 1st flyoff round is flown with a max of 420 seconds and the 2nd flyoff round is flown with unlimited time.
Power Class: Competitors fly in the 2.5 N-sec(A) power class, applicable for both Seniors and Juniors.
Scoring: The score is determined by summing up the duration of the three flights during the standard rounds. In case of a tie for medal positions, a flyoff round serves as a tiebreaker.
Model Limit: Participants are allowed to enter a maximum of two models for the three standard rounds. An additional model may be entered for the flyoff round if necessary.
S3A Model Requirements: Models must meet specific criteria, including a minimum length of 500mm, a minimum diameter of 40mm for at least 50% of the length, and a maximum mass of 100 grams.
Challenges: Competitors face several challenges, including ensuring the reliability of their models in terms of boosts, ejection, and parachute deployment. Finding thermals or lift during flights is also crucial for achieving optimal durations.
Vehicle Construction: Lightweight materials such as fiberglass, card stock, or vellum are commonly used for airframes. Vacuum-formed plastic nose cones with foam core shoulders. The fins are made out of either lightweight 1/20″ or 1/16″ balsa wood, or 1/32″ balsa that is reinforced with tissue or fiberglass. The airframe mass without the motor and parachute should be less than 10 grams; top-end models are less than 8 grams. The anchor points for the shock cord should be on the outside of the rocket, so the body will hang horizontally, adding maximum drag during recovery.
Parachute Construction: S3A parachutes are often made from 1/4 mil (1/1000 of an inch) aluminized mylar. However, that material may be hard to find in large sizes.
Propulsion: European motors with 10.5 diameter, generally with 4 or 5 second delay times, are preferred over the US motors for optimal performance. For the qualifiers, however, the Estes 1/2A2-T or Estes 1/2A4-T will be used in the US Team Flyoffs.
Competition Strategy: Finding significant lift is essential for achieving maximum flight duration. Competitors must balance the timing of their launches and being prepared for anything that may happen.
This overview covers all aspects of the S3A parachute duration event, providing insights into the format, requirements, challenges, and strategies involved.
Rules for S3 Parachute Duration
Rules for S3 Parachute Duration
Flown in three standard rounds with a possibility of flyoff rounds if needed.
Flown in the 2.5 N-sec (A) power class for both Seniors and Juniors.
Maximum flight duration per standard round is 300 seconds.
Score is the sum of the duration of the three flights.
In case of a tie for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place after three standard rounds, a 1st flyoff round is flown with a maximum duration of 420 seconds, and if needed a 2nd flyoff round is flown with no time limit.
Maximum of two models may be entered for the three standard rounds.
One additional model may be entered for the flyoff round.
S3A model requirements: minimum length = 500 mm, minimum diameter = 40mm for at least 50% of length, maximum mass = 100 grams.
How-To/Tips
How-To/Tips
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40 mm Paper Tubes with Coach Steve -
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Making Paper Tubes with Coach Kevin -
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