AIM-9 Sidewinder Missile Rolleron Stand and Model

thingiverse

Check out my 3D models on my website at <a href="https://reallykoostuff.com/">Reallykoostuff.com</a>. WHAT IS A ROLLERON? The Rolleron is attached to the tail of the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile (see photos above from Wikipedia) and is used for "passive stabilization". The wind cause by the missile's forward movement spins the large central gyro thereby stabilizing the missile. This part was engineered to spin at up to 100,000 RPM! Check out this excellent video! <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cfzj3rRIVU4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> CAN I ATTACH A REAL ROLLERON TO THIS STAND? YES! In the photos above, you can see a photo of the actually AIM-9 Sidewinder Rolleron that I purchased from eBay. I designed the stand specific for this Rolleron. Assuming that the dimensions haven't changed, you should be good to go. HOW ACCURATE IS THIS ROLLERON MODEL? VERY accurate! Since I have an actual Sidewinder Rolleron, I was able to get extremely accurate measurements (down to each hole and screw). DOES THE GYRO SPIN ON THE MODEL? Yes, the central gyro spin quite well. Using a can of compressed air, you can get it going quite fast! The model is a great demonstration of some amazing engineering. It would be a great show piece for a science class demonstrating how gyroscopes resist motion. CAN THIS MODEL BE USED ON A REAL MODEL ROCKET I doubt it. It's designed as a demonstration model only. WHAT DO I NEED TO MAKE THIS MODEL? The axis for the gyro requires a short length of 1/8" metal rod. I purchased this from <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-8-in-x-48-in-Plain-Steel-Cold-Rolled-Round-Rod-801567/204273942">Home Depot</a>. Make sure to sand the ends smooth. You can use the rest of the rod to launch model rockets! Take care not to poke an eye out (for real). If you are securing a REAL Rolleron (i.e. not a 3D printed model) to the stand, you will need a M3 screw and M3 bolt. The length of the threaded section of the screw should be around 15 mm. If you are just attaching the 3D printed model to the stand, would just try various wood screws laying around the house. TIPS ON 3D PRINTING THE STAND The stand and Stand and Rolleron_Adapter are easy to print. I just use 20 percent infill and 0.15 mm layer height to minimize the layer lines and maximize the strength. The Label does require some attention. To get the different colors on the Label, add an instruction in your slicing program to insert a pause/filament change at the appropriate level when the lettering starts to appear. Then, when you are printing, your printer should pause and guide you through a filament change (at least that's how it works on my Prusa using Prusa Slicer). TIPS ON 3D PRINTING THE ROLLERON This also should be straight forward. You will need to print THREE (3) Large_Pin and TWO (2) Small_Pin. All the other parts only require ONE piece each. The STL files should already be oriented in the correct position. If not, orient them according to the photo of my build plate. No supports should be needed. I printed the parts at 0.15 mm layer height and 15 percent infill. ASSEMBLYING THE ROLLERON Add a short length of 1/8" metal rod to the center of the Gyro. The fit should be snug. Place the 3 Large_Pin and 2 Small_Pin in their appropriate places in the Left_Face or Right_Face. Then test fit the Gyro inside the Left_Face and Right_Face. The pin should NOT be sticking out of the sides when the Gyro is centered. Would use epoxy when gluing the parts together. Make sure that when you are done gluing, the Top_Hinge is free to move around the axis. POST-PROCESSING If you take your time, you can make this 3D model look INCREDIBLY realistic. Would use Rustoleum Filler Printer with sanding to get rid of layer lines. Then apply metallic paint. Then weather the model using black or brown acrylic paint. Can also use some "rub and buff". ENJOY!