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 EUGENE, Oregon USA — Leading Edge Rocketry, the model rocket company operating in the Great Northwest part of America, has just introduced another exciting new LED-based kit, the Phoenix, which joins the Night Skeeter in Leading Edge's great Sportster series of kits.
The Phoenix is a racey, futuristic-looking model based on a 1.637" diameter airframe and sporting some really cool looking fins with simulated landing gear that, like the body tube, houses bright light emitting diodes (LEDs). The main body tube has an array of 15 super bright 7800 lumen LEDs arranged in three rows of five, while the fin pods each have one high intensity LED in each pod tip. Like the Night Skeeter, the micro electronics module that controls the LEDs allows you to flash the LEDs in a sequential or a random pattern. The kit allows the hobby modeler to combine the thrill of rocketry together with electronics and system integration, all in one kit. This kit will really appeal to the electronics hobbyist. Featuring a real balsa ogive nosecone, laser-cut basswood fins and a kraft cardboard body tube pre-cut for the LED displays, the heart of the electronics centers around the three LED electronics panels and the micro electronics control module. The three LED panels are laser-cut with all of the LED, wire and mounting holes already in place, all you have to do is put it all together. The LEDs are powered by three AAAA batteries that sit in a unique motor mount holder, surrounding the central motor mount tube, and switched with a micro on/off switch built into the electronics module. Batteries are supplied in the kit by the manufacturer. The customer can choose between five colors of LEDs (red, yellow, green, aqua or blue) or select all of them as a rainbow option. Specifications: - Length: 16.625"
- Diameter: 1.637"
- Weight: 120 grams with batteries
- Recovery: Parachute
- Recommended engines: C6-3, C6-5, D13-7W, D24-7T
- Required for assembly: Hobby tools, glue, paint, soldering iron/solder
- Approximate altitude: 1500 feet
List Price: $59.95 Website: http://www.leadingedgerocketry.com/
07-31-2008 11:43 AM
#1
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Certified Level Three
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 499
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Re: Leading Edge Rocketry does it again with the Phoenix
Now all I need is a place I can fly them after dark.
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07-31-2008 12:17 PM
#2
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If pigs had fins...
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2794
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Re: Leading Edge Rocketry does it again with the Phoenix
Does a < 1lb rocket require special permission to fly at night - I can't recall.
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07-31-2008 12:25 PM
#3
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Certified Level Three
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 499
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Re: Leading Edge Rocketry does it again with the Phoenix
I sure does from the landowner!
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07-31-2008 12:57 PM
#4
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If pigs had fins...
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2794
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Re: Leading Edge Rocketry does it again with the Phoenix
Quote: I sure does from the landowner!
Yes - I was thinking in terms of if I am the landowner or if I have permission from a friend. I can't recall if the exception for < 1 lb specifies daylight hours. |
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07-31-2008 01:00 PM
#5
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Certifiable
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 814
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Re: Leading Edge Rocketry does it again with the Phoenix
FAR 101.23(h)
Quote: Sec. 101.23
Operating limitations.
No person may operate an unmanned rocket--
(a) In a manner that creates a collision hazard with other aircraft;
(b) In controlled airspace;
(c) Within five miles of the boundary of any airport;
(d) At any altitude where clouds or obscuring phenomena of more than five-tenths coverage prevails;
(e) At any altitude where the horizontal visibility is less than five miles;
(f) Into any cloud;
(g) Within 1,500 feet of any person or property that is not associated with the operations; or
(h) Between sunset and sunrise.
(emphasis mine)
http://www.airweb.faa.gov/...EEC005DB80B?OpenDocument
To be allowed to do this, you would need a waiver from the FAA that would waive the 101.23(h) restriction. This is the same kind of waiver that must be obtained for HPR launches, just waiving a different section.
-Aaron |
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07-31-2008 01:23 PM
#6
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If pigs had fins...
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2794
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Re: Leading Edge Rocketry does it again with the Phoenix
Quote: FAR 101.23(h)
(emphasis mine)
http://www.airweb.faa.gov/...EEC005DB80B?OpenDocument
To be allowed to do this, you would need a waiver from the FAA that would waive the 101.23(h) restriction. This is the same kind of waiver that must be obtained for HPR launches, just waiving a different section.
-Aaron
Dang - that's what I was afraid of... |
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07-31-2008 01:37 PM
#7
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Certifiable
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 814
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Re: Leading Edge Rocketry does it again with the Phoenix
Quote: Dang - that's what I was afraid of...
I could have been nice and included FAR 101.1(3) that lists applicability:
Quote: Sec. 101.1
Applicability.
(a) This part prescribes rules governing the operation in the United States, of the following:
...
(3) Any unmanned rocket except:
(i) Aerial firework displays; and,
(ii) Model rockets:
(a) Using not more than four ounces of propellant;
(b) Using a slow-burning propellant;
(c) Made of paper, wood, or breakable plastic, containing no substantial metal parts and weighing not more than 16 ounces, including the propellant; and
(d) Operated in a manner that does not create a hazard to persons, property, or other aircraft.
So as long as you remain low power (less than 4oz of propellant and 1lb) then fly away!
-Aaron |
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07-31-2008 02:07 PM
#8
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Administrator
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3202
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Re: Leading Edge Rocketry does it again with the Phoenix
Why does everyone assume a rocket with LEDs can only be flown at night?
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07-31-2008 02:18 PM
#9
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If pigs had fins...
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2794
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Re: Leading Edge Rocketry does it again with the Phoenix
Quote: Why does everyone assume a rocket with LEDs can only be flown at night?
To speak just for me... I was thinking about flying it at dusk or dawn just to get the added benefits of the great looking led's. Sure I can fly it anytime - but the benefit is to see the LED's isn't it? Good looking rocket overall - but really sweet if the LED's are easy to see. |
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07-31-2008 02:19 PM
#10
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If pigs had fins...
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2794
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Re: Leading Edge Rocketry does it again with the Phoenix
Quote: I could have been nice and included FAR 101.1(3) that lists applicability:
So as long as you remain low power (less than 4oz of propellant and 1lb) then fly away!
-Aaron
My head is spinning. This is what I was asking. So IF I have land owner's permission I could launch this rocket on any motor up to 4 oz of total propellant weight. Without notification or waiver. Excellent. |
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07-31-2008 02:24 PM
#11
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Administrator
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3202
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Re: Leading Edge Rocketry does it again with the Phoenix
Make a hood mount, put it on your car and drive down the freeway at night with the lights on!  |
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07-31-2008 11:49 PM
#12
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Certified Level One
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 16
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Re: Leading Edge Rocketry does it again with the Phoenix
Quote: Why does everyone assume a rocket with LEDs can only be flown at night?
Because LEDs provide stealth to rockets which you can't see flying during the day.
The military should be alerted to this new technology development. Just imagine an F22 Raptor or a C5-B Galaxy covered in LEDs. |
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SLIDESHOW: Leading Edge Rocketry's new LED-laden kit, the Phoenix. Photos cover the three pre-built LED panels, ready to install, and the three fin pod lights, viewed from the rear. 
