Derek Deville's Qu8k rocket

[orb]

On September 30, 2011 at 11:08am, Derek Deville's Qu8k (pronounced "Quake") launched from the Black Rock Desert in Nevada to an altitude of 121,000' before returning safely to Earth.

Qu8k Rocket

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The rocket motor produced 4,000 lbs of thrust for 8 seconds accelerating the vehicle to over Mach 3 at over 10,000'. After that, momentum carried the rocket skyward for another 84 seconds to a peak altitude of 121,000'.

You can find more info, rocket specifications, pictures on Qu8k website.

Universe Today: Video: Amazing Amatuer Rocket Launch Reaches 121,000 feet

 

[boogabooga]

Wow,

at 3:10-3:15:

Cirrus clouds DO look flat when you shoot past them

 

[_Designer_]

Wicked!!!

 

[MaverickSawyer]

:jawdrops:
That was awesome!
I think that was one of the best looking "homebuilt" rockets i have ever seen...

 

[_Designer_]

I'm about to try that when my son gets older.

 

[RS-232]

I cant find anywhere what type of propellant they used? Was it a Sugar motor or what?

 

[Tommy]

According to the comments:

APCP (Ammonium Perchlorate Composite Propelalnt).

Ammonium Perchlorate is the oxidizer and a synthetic rubber is the fuel. There's also (apparently from the exhaust color) some aluminum powder added as a burn enhancer.

 

[Rtyh-12]

Wow. That's pretty cool.

It just amazed me how quickly it got past Mach 1, 2 and 3. Assuming the annotations are right, of course. Pretty amazing nonetheless.