RocketLab ELECTRON Flying Model Rocket

This is a 1:18 scale model of the RocketLab Electron rocket. It can be flown on not one, not two, but NINE 13mm rocket engines. It is a simple model, but not simple at all to fly. 

What you need to print:

Note- All parts were printed with 15% infill, and 1 LAYER thick walls. This is to keep the weight down. 

• One nose cone
• 2 centering rings
• 4 body tube sections
• That's it
• Here's another bullet point for no reason

Other stuff you need to build it:

• 9 2.5" long 13mm model rocket tubes- can be from apogee, estes, etc. 
• A shock cord
• A parachute
• Clear Polycarbonate fins (I used 1/8" x 1.5"x1.5", just use something similar. 
• Glue- super glue is fine for most parts, or you can use small amounts of epoxy
• Launch lugs (3/16" are recommended) I've included a model for some conformal 3/16" ones.

Building instructions: 

Note- painting each rocket piece separately BEFORE building might be worth it depending on the paint job you choose…

1. Glue all 9 of the 13mm tubes to the centering rings you just printed out. You can use super glue for this, or a small amount of epoxy. Just try to keep the weight down. 
2. Glue all 4 of the tubes together. Super glue is the best and easiest, but epoxy or plastic cement would also be ok. 
3. Attach the shock cord to both the nose cone, and the inside of the tube. Important: the nose cone will fit onto the last exposed coupler on one end of the tube. DONT GLUE IT IN
4. Glue the motor mount into the OTHER END of the rocket. Use epoxy for this, but again try not to add a lot of weight. 
5. Glue Polycarbonate fins to the lower fin section 
6. Put on the launch lugs
7. That's it. 

Finishing: 

• There are MANY different paint schemes for the electron, ranging from almost all black, to red and silver. I've included some photos for inspiration! (the last 5 photos)
• Again, it might be worth it to paint parts separately. That's what I did. 

FLYING: 

WARNING: I HAVE NOT SUCCESSFULLY FLOWN THIS BEFORE- ONLY 4 MOTORS IGNITED, RESULTING IN AN UNSUCCESSFUL FLIGHT. FLY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

• WHILE THIS ROCKET IS VERY EASY TO BUILD, IT IS NOT VERY EASY TO FLY. 
• If you don't think you can pull it off successfully, DONT TRY
• All 9 motors must be ignited simultaneously for the rocket to work
• Your Estes launch controller will NOT light all 9 motors, it's not powerful enough.
• DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FLY WITHOUT ADDING FINS
• Refer to the OpenRocket file below for stability, you can use it to simulate flights. 

Here's what you can do:

• You could try the flash in the pan method, which will allow you to use a single ignitor and and estes controller
• If you don't know what that is, probably don't try to fly this
• Or you could use 9 relatively low current ignitors, and a VERY BIG BATTERY. 

Important Note: If 9 A10 rocket motors are used, this would be considered a HIGH POWER ROCKET. That means you have to have a L1 certification, and you need to either contact the FAA in advance, or fly at a HPR club. I have a L1 cert, but I would rather fly it at my house and not have to deal with the FAA, so I'm using A3 motors instead. 

Also if you are a very experienced rocketeer, I apologize for explaining all this like I'm explaining it to someone who has never heard of a model rocket. I just don't want anyone to get hurt trying to do something they do not have experience with. 

I am not responsible for any injury of damage caused by this rocket. Good luck, be safe. 

If you have any questions, message me. I'm happy to help. 

bye