Astrobee D Sounding Rocket Fin
Details of Astrobee D fin are shown. Dimensions and drawing
are provided with the Aerotech Astrobee D rocket kit. Rocket fin has a metal
pin at base and plate mount securing fin to rocket motor nozzle with two
screws, allowing preset angle of incidence for roll rate. Fin magnesium
coated with a light tan colored firex ablative coating (thickness of 0.0254
cm). Leading edge is covered by a stainless steel cuff, secured by 5 rivets.
Fin serial no. 053 was manufactured by Aerojet-General in 1972.
Figure 1: Astrobee D sounding rocket fin detail showing mounting pin, flange,
leading edge cuff and aerodynamic tapers.
Figure 2: Astrobee D fin base. Aerodynamic cross section tapers, leading
edge cuff, central mounting pin and aft mounting flange with two mounting
holes are shown.
Leading edge taper = 30 degress
Trailing edge taper = 68 degrees
Length of leading edge = 18.0 in.
Length of tip = 9.188
Tip thickness = 0.125 in.
Length of trailing edge = 10.625 in.
Length of root (base) = 20.32 in.
Front taper thickness at root = 0.40 in.
Mid section hump thickness = 1.10 in.
Aft section thickness at root = 0.625 in.
Taper angle of aft fin root = 30 degress
Height of ridge at fin root = 0.60 in.
Height of hump at fin root center =1.38 in.
Diameter of mounting pin at root =1.120 in
Length of mounting pin at root = 1.110 in.
Fin weight = 2.74 lb.
Figure 3: Fin mounting pin, mounting flange and complex shape of aerodynamic
tapers.
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