XRV - Rocket Chronicles

TRA #6539 L2

Introduction
Overview
Development
Propulsion
Airframe
Avionics
Flights
Good People
Rocket Links

Author:
Steve Baughman

Web Updated Aug 27
© 1999
All Rights Reserved.

THE POWER OF SCIENCE - THE SCIENCE OF POWER

Welcome to the XRV Rocket Chronicles
I'm Steve Baughman from Austin, Texas, and in July of 1998, I began work on a recreational rocket which I call the Experimental Rocket Vehicle, or XRV. Designed to educate as well as entertain, the project has enjoyed a moderate degree of success since it's inception. On this web site I post regularly updated progress reports explaining ongoing vehicle and payload developments and flight test program results.

Progress Report
In July, XRV avionics software version 0.5 was successfully tested on flights 34 and 35 in Windom, Texas, paving the way for a four flight test regimen at the LDRS XVIII national rocketry meet held at the end of July in Argonia, Kansas. On flight 39 the XRV Mk V hit a new top speed of 688 mph in 2.9 seconds but was destroyed by intense aerodynamic forces. Check out the most recent progress report to read about these and other exciting developments.

Final Flight of the XRV Mk V XRV flight 39, L1120W

The XRV Mk V was destoyed by aerodynamic forces after reaching 688 mph in 2.9 seconds during flight 39.
Photo by the author

WHAT'S NEW IN THE CHRONICLES?		FALL 1999 LAUNCH CALENDAR
We admit we've been dragging our feet the last couple of months! Booster upgrades and travel have cut into our schedule, but we've got some great content in the works as we try to fill out this site. Aug 27: New Progress Report posted. News from two recent launch events! Aug 27: Flights updated. Flight data from the most recent flights! Aug 27: Launch calendar updated. Vertical motorsport - it's an UP thing! Parties interested in negotiating an appearance of the XRV at your classroom, air show or other event should contact our public relations office via email.		We attend many public and private launches all over Texas throughout the year. Be sure to stop by and say 'Hi' if you see me - I look forward to seeing you there! Sept 4-5: NTHP XV in Windom, TX The public is welcome. Oct 23-24: S4S in Windom, TX The public is welcome. Nov 20-21: Turkey Shoot in Windom, TX The public is welcome. Nov 27-28: Turkey Shoot in Las Vegas, NV The public is welcome. Dec 4: Paradise 4 in Eden, TX The public is welcome.

Introduction to the Rocket Chronicles
We have a lot of material to cover in this website. To simplify your navigation through our materials, they will be organized into the following sections and posted when complete:

Overview provides an introduction into basic rocket flight dynamics and key design considerations.

Development provides specifications of the current vehicle configuration and presents its technical history.

Propulsion introduces solid propulsion technology and explains the workings of solid rocket motors in theory and practice.

Airframe will present the construction materials and techniques used to constuct the various airframe designs flown.

Avionics will detail the development and deployment of various payloads used to record flight data and activate flight controls.

Flights are listed in their entirety, with details about each flight and flight data logs where available.

People will be introduced who I'd like to thank for all of their extremely supportive help and technical expertise.

Links to rocketry related sites have been exhaustively collected for your continued enjoyment and ongoing education.

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