1/10 Scale Nike Smoke Model Rocket

thingiverse

The Nike Smoke was a sounding rocket used by NASA in the 1960's for atmospheric research. This model measures 21.5 inches tall and its fin span is slightly less than six inches. The tallest part of this model is the nose cone, which stands at about eight and a half inches. The inside diameter is one and six-tenths of an inch, so standard centering rings can be used to make this a flyable model rocket. The shell of this model is one millimeter thick, allowing for two extrusions of point five millimeters. The fin section and mid-section connect with a twist-lock bayonet fitting, as do the nose cone and nose cone base. The nose cone base slip-fits into the mid-section. I have not tried launching one of these models myself, and I don't know how well common 3D printing materials like PLA will hold up to the heat of a rocket engine ejection charge, so proceed at your own risk. Double-perimeter fins can add weight to the rear of the rocket, so pay attention to the CG/CP relationship to ensure stability.