Safety Alert!
This indicates something you will want to pay
extra attention to “be safe”
Water Rocket
Launch System, Assembly
and Use Instructions
STEP 2.
Big Tip
Helps you avoid some common mistakes
A. Use a hammer to
pound the Tilt-Stake
into the ground
Rocket Science
Gives an example of actual rocket science principles.
B. Snap the launch
pad leg into place as
shown.
You’ll also need:
Bicycle Pump with Pressure Gauge
Hammer
ASSEMBLING THE LAUNCH PAD
BIG TIP If you are flying your rocket off a surface
that is too hard to use the Tilt/Stake, remove the Tilt/Stake
and use sandbags to secure the pad with.
STEP 1.
A. Insert legs into
launch pad hub as
shown.
You can make simple
sandbags yourself by
filling 1 gallon
plastic freezer
bags with sand.
B. The Leg with the
hole for attaching the
Tilt-Stake must be
inserted in the slot
aligned with fill valve.
C. Attach pull string to release lever.
We know, everybody is already a “Rocket Scientist”
and you don’t need to read the instructions… wrong!
To get the most fun and SAFEST experience with this product,
please read all the way through these instructions first, then go
back and follow them step-by-step. You’ll have a much better
understanding and will make fewer (if any) mistakes!
CHOOSING THE RIGHT
BICYCLE PUMP
Always use a pump WITH
a pressure gauge.
Pumps with a metal
cylinder will last longer.
FUEL IT!
We recommend your first flight no matter what size bottle
you’ve chosen be 60ml of water at 60 psi.
STEP 1.
A. Pour the fuel into the measuring flask.
B. Unscrew the nozzle.
LOAD IT ON THE PAD!
DO NOT force the nozzle into the pressure chamber without
pulling the release lever out of the way as described below.
1. Hold your finger over the end of the nozzle with one hand
2. Hold the center hub of the pad with your other hand and
use your thumb to pull the release lever back.
3. Gently push the tip of the nozzle into the pressure
chamber while holding the hub with your other hand.
4. The nozzle should be pushed in all the way until it seats.
National Association of Rocketry
Water Rocket Safety Code
1. Definitions. For the purposes of this safety code, a ‘Water
Rocket’ is defined as any rocket whose thrust is generated from
low temperature compressed air or non-flammable gas acting alone
or acting on water, and which has a chamber volume of at least
500 ml (16.9 fl oz).
2. Materials. I will use only lightweight, non-metal parts for the
nose, body, and fins of my rocket.
3. Pressure Chamber. My rocket's pressure chamber will be made
of thin, ductile plastic and will not use polyvinyl chloride (PVC). I will
not handle a pressurized rocket at any time during assembly,
testing, or launch.
C. Pour in the
pre-measured fuel.
D. Gently re-screw the nozzle on tight.
ROCKET SCIENCE
Adding too much fuel to your rocket can affect
the stability of its flight. You should understand the basic relationship of the “CP/CG”. The CP is the
‘center of pressure” and the CG is the “center of gravity”.
The CG should always be forward of the CP. There’s quite a
bit of math involved in calculating these points and you can
research their calculation on line. For simplicity, all you need
to understand is that if you put too much fuel in your
rocket, it will be tail heavy at launch and not fly straight. If
your rocket does not fly straight, try using less fuel on your
next flight.
We recommend the following Max Fuel amounts by
bottle size:
24oz 65ml
1 Liter 100ml
2 Liter 200ml
SAFETY ALERT!
NEVER stand over the rocket while it is being pressurized or
after it is pressurized.
We recommend that any person proximate to the rocket on
the pad when it is being pressurized wear SAFETY GLASSES.
PUMP IT UP!
Slowly pump your rocket to your desired pressure.
SAFETY ALERT!
The pressure chamber is designed to begin leaking around 80
psi – Do not attempt to pressurize your rocket above 80 psi
4. Pressurization System. I will use, store, and transport
compressed gas tanks and cylinders according to all applicable
safety codes. The pressurization system I use will allow the rocket
to be pressurized, depressurized (if necessary) and launched from
a safe distance as described below. If my rocket does not launch
when triggered, I will not allow anyone to approach it until it has
been depressurized.
5. Launch Safety. I will use a countdown before launch, and will
ensure that everyone is paying attention and is at a safe distance
of at least 15 feet away when I launch. If I am uncertain about the
safety or stability of an untested rocket, I will check the stability
before flight and will fly it only after warning spectators and
clearing them away to a safe distance.
6. Launcher. I will launch my rocket from a stable launch device
that is pointed to within 30 degrees of the vertical to ensure that
the rocket flies nearly straight up. My launcher will be constructed
to handle at least 3 times the intended launch pressure.
RELEASE IT!
1. Always give a verbal countdown to alert everyone you are
launching your rocket.
7. Size. My rocket (dry) will not weigh more than 453 grams (1
pound) at lift off. If my rocket weighs more than this, I will check
and comply with Federal Aviation Administration regulations
before flying.
2. “Gently” pull the release lever string. You should not “yank
it” or pull hard.
8. Flight Safety. I will not launch my rocket at targets, into
clouds, or near airplanes, and will not put any flammable or
explosive payload in my rocket.
How to “de-pressurize” your rocket.
If you need to abort your launch for any reason after the
rocket is pressurized, carefully approach the rocket from the
side and remember DO NOT put any portion of you body over
the rocket. Always stand to the side.
9. Launch Site. I will launch my rocket outdoors, in an open area at
least 100 feet on a side for rockets with using a launch pressure
of 50 psi or less, and 500 feet on a side for rockets using higher
pressure. I will launch only in safe weather conditions with wind
speeds no greater than 20 miles per hour.
Carefully remove the bicycle pump from the tire valve.
Use a pen or other pointed object to press against the pin on
the tire valve. This will allow both water and air pressure to
slowly be released from your rocket.
ALWAYS FOLLOW the NAR WATER ROCKET SAFETY CODE
10. Recovery System. I will use a recovery system such as a
streamer or parachute in my rocket so that it returns safely and
undamaged and can be flown again.
11. Recovery Safety. I will not attempt to recover my rocket from
power lines, tall trees, or other dangerous places.
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