1/17th scale modular Aries Model Rocket

thingiverse

The Aries is a rocket used by both military forces and NASA from 1973 through the 1990s. It was constructed using surplus Minuteman I missile second stages. The first image shows a model built mainly from Estes stock components (left) and the printed Aries model (right). Standing at approximately 18.5 inches tall, when printed in MARS while PLA, the entire rocket weighs 6.7 ounces or 190 grams, compared to the scratch-built model's weight of 4.7 ounces. Parts are joined using bayonet fittings that lock when turned clockwise just short of a 90-degree angle. I have not flown this model but have added features to make it flyable. The removable nose tip will hold nose weight as deemed necessary for a stable center of gravity and center of pressure relationship. The midsection has an internal shock cord lug, and the external fairing is open so it can be used as a launch lug. The fin section has a lip that retains a motor mount with BT-80 centering rings. The forward ring needs to have four notches cut into it to clear the bayonet bumps when inserted. The rearmost ring can be tilted to get past the bumps, and should probably not have notches in it because ejection gases could escape there and prevent deployment of the parachute. Thanks are due to Peter Alway and his "Rockets of the World" book for scale information on this rocket. Update 12/27/2017: The internal structure was removed from the fin section, eliminating some weight. Added "Fin Section Hollow." Added "Fin+Mid Section.stl" and "Nose Cone Single Piece.stl." These can be used if nose weight is not needed or if the midsection does not need to be separated from the fin section. The nose base still needs to be printed. Update 6/6/2018: New fin_section.stl and mid_section.stl files were uploaded, correctly oriented for printing.