Rocketry Planet

KERRVILLE, Texas USA — Art Applewhite Rockets is proud to introduce our latest product, the Dragonfire launch pad, a simple, safe, reliable and compact launcher that is a perfect compliment to our recently released Forte' Launch Controller.

GALLERY: Dragonfire 4-Banger shown (launch rods not included). Also available in 6 and 8 pad versions.

Dragonfire 4-Banger shown (launch rods not included). Also available in 6 and 8 pad versions.

Dragonfire launch pads are ideal for rocket clubs, Team America Rocketry Challenge teams, Junior ROTC corps and Scout troops that need a durable and reliable launch system. The Dragonfire will provide years of safe, dependable service. 

Available in 4, 6 and 8 pad configurations, they take just five minutes to set-up or tear-down, and are made from heavy galvanized steel pipes and fittings. Super low-maintenance versions are also available featuring all stainless steel hardware.

Weather-proofed and built to last, the Dragonfire launch pads have a wide, four foot stance with a low center of gravity, so you don't have to worry about them tipping over, even in high winds. Each pad accommodates launch rods from 1/8" to 1/4" in diameter and can support rockets weighing 15 pound or more.
 
Dragonfire 4-Banger specifications: 

• 4' x 4' foot print,
• 29" high
• 4 launch pads
• When disassembled it takes up only 6" x 6" x 52" (1.08 cubic feet - weight 20 pounds)

Dragonfire 6-Pack specifications:

• 6' x 4' foot print
• 29" high
• 6 launch pads 
• When disassembled it takes up only 6" x 6" x 64" (1.33 cubic feet - weight 25 pounds)

Dragonfire 8-Ball specifications:

• 7.5' x 4' foot print
• 29" high
• 8 launch pads
• When disassembled it takes up only 6" x 6" x 92" (1.9 cubic feet - weight 35 pounds)

Website: http://www.artapplewhite.com/dragonfire.html

Reader comments:

#1 Re: Article: Art Applewhite introduces new Dragonfire launch pads

Galvanized chain link fence posts and accessories. Truly, a Work of Art.

tmacklin on 06-17-2011 02:08 PM

#2 Re: Article: Art Applewhite introduces new Dragonfire launch pads

I had the chance to see a couple of these pads in action this weekend, and they did their job well. Nothing flashy, and made from the exact materials that tmacklin said, but they were spot on as pads go. Close to bulletproof, resistant to the elements and rocketeers, and just the right dimensions. The materials used (and the lengths there-of) give them great stability. When it came time to strike them down, they were disassembled and compactly stowed into a vehicle in moments. Not a sales pitch, just the unbiased observations of a user.

Launch_Daddy on 06-19-2011 05:41 PM

#3 Re: Article: Art Applewhite introduces new Dragonfire launch pads

That's all you need is something sturdy and reliable that will do the job...they look well made.

dyaugo on 06-27-2011 01:44 AM

#4 Re: Article: Art Applewhite introduces new Dragonfire launch pads

Wonder how high off the ground the A-frame sits? I admit to being spoiled by the midpower-rated setup I built after discovering that camera tripods have quarter-inch by 20 threads...the blast deflector is at chin level for me and the mount flops ninety degrees to load the rod!

Greylinbard on 06-27-2011 11:28 PM

#5 Re: Article: Art Applewhite introduces new Dragonfire launch pads

Quote:

Wonder how high off the ground the A-frame sits? I admit to being spoiled by the midpower-rated setup I built after discovering that camera tripods have quarter-inch by 20 threads...the blast deflector is at chin level for me and the mount flops ninety degrees to load the rod!

The article says the "footprint" width for all units is 4'. Since the fittings used are at 90 degrees they would form a 45 degree angled slope. Therefore the rise would equal the run, like a 12 in 12 roof. The span is 4' so the half-span is 2' and the rise would also be 2', plus or minus.

This set up could easily be made taller by using longer legs.

tmacklin on 06-28-2011 11:16 AM

#6 Re: Article: Art Applewhite introduces new Dragonfire launch pads

Quote:

Wonder how high off the ground the A-frame sits? I admit to being spoiled by the midpower-rated setup I built after discovering that camera tripods have quarter-inch by 20 threads...the blast deflector is at chin level for me and the mount flops ninety degrees to load the rod!

So when the rod is laid down it is at chin/head level for you? If someone leaves one down you would be looking at the rod from the side and the rod would be horizontal or end-on, making the end of the rod very easy to not see. That seems unsafe to me.

Steve_Shannon on 06-28-2011 02:31 PM

#7 Re: Article: Art Applewhite introduces new Dragonfire launch pads

Quote:

Wonder how high off the ground the A-frame sits?

The article states:
"Dragonfire 4-Banger specifications:

• 4' x 4' foot print,
  
• 29" high
  
• 4 launch pads"

My ten-year-old did not have much issue with getting her rocket onto the 1/8" rod, but that isn't exactly giving you much to go on. I honestly cannot remember it being taller, shorter, or right at 29", so I have to go with the stated specs. I'm going to blame it on heat exhaustion, as it did get to 106 F that day.

Hal

Launch_Daddy on 06-28-2011 04:56 PM

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Dragonfire 4-Banger shown (launch rods not included). Also available in 6 and 8 pad versions.

Dragonfire 4-Banger packed up (red bungie cords included).

Closeup of Pad Head front with 1/4" launch rod (not included) installed.

Rear view of Pad Head.