Remixed thrust ring for helicopter rocket

thingiverse

Plastic fin cans are incredibly dense compared to lightweight paper tubes and balsa wood. Building a regular body tube and balsa fins should achieve significantly higher altitudes and more forward CG stability. I recently modified the screw on top of the fin can by cutting it off, and adjusted the outer diameter (OD) to fit snugly into an 18mm body tube (BT-20). I also created a 24mm version but have yet to print it, so I cannot guarantee a perfect fit. Use 24mm for D engines or BT-50 tubes. I'm still printing the rest of the rocket. In the meantime, I designed this set of fins while waiting for my prints to finish. Here's how to use these fin cans: Cut a BT-20 tube down to 2.75 inches (or match the length of your motor). Use epoxy glue to attach the ring into one end of the tube. Create your own fins from scrap balsa wood, as shown in the pictures. You'll also need to mount an offset launch lug near the top of the fin can. Secure the motor with masking tape to prevent it from shifting during launch. The motor will extend about 1/4 inch beyond the end of the body tube. Optional: Print the Remix engine holder screw and attach it to the bottom of the body tube using epoxy glue, then use it in conjunction with the original engine holder cap. Adjust the tube length and fin placement accordingly.