Omega
The Omega was a model rocket kit sold by Estes Industries during the 1970's. It is a 2 stage rocket using the BT-60 body tube with each stage powered by a 24mm D engine. The plans of this rocket can be found at the following sources:
- March/April 1997 issue of Sport Rocketry magazine.
- JimZ's Rocket Plans Estes K-52 -
http://www.spacemodeling.org/JimZ/k-52.htm
Parts List
| name | qty | type | length | notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nose cone | 1 | PNC-60AH | ||
| Payload section | 1 | BT-60 | 5 inches | can be longer |
| Nose block | 1 | NB-60 | 1.5 inches | Estes no longer sells this item |
| Screw eye | 1 | Need to get this from the hardware section | ||
| Main Body Tube | 1 | BT-60 | 14 inches | |
| 2nd stage motor tube | 1 | BT-50 | 7.75 inches | |
| 2nd stage fins | 4 | 1/8 inch thick balsa | ||
| Engine hook | 2 | One for each stage | ||
| Thrust ring | 2 | AR2050 | One for each stage | |
| Centering rings | 4 | RA5060 | Two for each stage | |
| Parachute | 1 | 18 inch | May need to change this depending on the flight | |
| Shock Cord | 1 | |||
| Shock cord anchor | 1 | Can be made from paper | ||
| Lug stand off assemble | 2 | can be omitted | ||
| Launch lug | 1 | 3/16 inch diameter |
Fin measurements
In the event you can not print out the fin patterns you can create your own using the following measurements.
| measurement | 2nd stage -English | Metric | 1st stage - English | Metric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| root length | 3-1/16" | 79 mm | 3-5/8" | 91 mm |
| tip cord length | 2" | 51 mm | 2-1/2" | 64 mm |
| leading edge | 2-3/8" | 60 mm | 2-7/8" | 72 mm |
| root to tip cord | 2-5/16" | 58 mm | 2-13/16" | 71 mm |
Omega versions
While the Omega was initially a two stage rocket D engine rocket, different versions were built due to operational needs, however all of the versions are built as a single stage rocket. If the need arises then a 2 stage version would be built.
Omega 24
This is a the standard version that can use the Estes D12 motor. Recommend motors:
- C11-3
- D12-3 (for heavy payloads)
- D12-5
Omega 24e
For this version the motor mount can support an Estes E9 motor and there is more internal space for the recovery system.
Recommend motors:
- C11-3 (need engine spacer)
- D12-3 (need engine spacer)
- D12-5 (need engine spacer)
- E9-4
- E9-6
Omega 18
While one can fly an Omega 24 with the Estes A-C motors by using an adapter, some Omegas were built with 18mm motor mounts. While these rockets can not loft heavy payloads they can be used for low altitude flights to test out parachutes or current wind conditions
Recommend motors:
- A8-3 (not on windy day)
- B4-4
- B6-4
- C6-5
Omega 18d
This is a special case of the Omega 18, it has a baffle so there is no need for wadding and it has a set of 1/8 inch and 3/16 inch lugs. This rocket is useful for launch demonstrations since it can be prepared faster and it can handle with different rod settings.
Recommend motors:
- A8-3 (need to remove the payload section and just use the nose cone instead)
- B6-4
- C6-5
Payload section notes
Long payload section
Using Estes BT-60 tube (internal diameter of 39mm or just under 1-9/16 inches).
External length - 8-11/16 inches
Internal length - 7-9/16 inches
nose cone shoulder clearance - 1-1/8 inches
Mounting board notes
- Using 3/32 inch thick basswood.
- Length - 6-1/4 inches long
- Width:
- 1-9/16 inches for mounting in the center,
- 1-1/2 inches for off center mounting.
- 1-3/8 inches for mounting the Parallax small breadboard (part #:700-00012)
Flight logs
| topic | version | builder/owner |
|---|---|---|
| omega-helen | Omega 24e | Helen |
| omega-jake | Omega 24 | Jake |
| omega-h1 | Omega 24e | Helen for HCC |
Photos
Photos of various Omegas can be found in this set on flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/helen_rapozo/sets/72157623641118299/with/4489132024/