The main engine tube is 2-stage, and the top tube is connected to the forward end of the main tube.
The spring loaded rear wing pivots up & down, it goes overcenter.
The top tube is packed with a streamer or chute connected to a lanyard, the other end of which is fastened to the leading edge of the wing.
2nd charge is spent, POP goes the back charge, the streamer is out and rear wing down.
The tailhook is connected to the "deployment pack" via a "sear bar", for lack of a better term...
It works.
Below is a link to the whole story, and possibly a link to a video as well, if it works.
Glen
video of first arrested run
Stan Part & Thunderjet
--Previous Message--
: What a hoot - as a kid I played with
: rockets a lot, so this looks very
: familiar. I'm very impressed by the
: tail hook and air brake. How exactly
: does the back charge trigger those
: devices (usually used to activate the
: parachute in a rocket, for those that
: missed this fun activity) ?
:
:
: --Previous Message--
: Well as a matter of fact, I recently
: blew
: the dust off and pulled a quick service
: on old Thunderjet.
: Did a few runs in the paddock at
: Sebring a few weeks ago, all went great
: until security showed up, that has
: happened a lot.
: I just fitted a video camera, I'll post
: a link as soon as I figure out how to
: edit & upload video...
: Glen
:
: History-
: Thunderjet 1 is the worlds first and
: only successful multi-stage rocket
: powered Triumph valve cover.
: Designed in the late 80s and
: commissioned in 1990, “Thunder” is
: based on a Triumph Stag/TR-7 valve/cam
: cover, fitted with a lightweight alloy
: tub, powered by a 2-stage main engine
: configuration, assisted by external
: RATO pods.
: Equipped with adjustable front wing,
: directional stabilizer, rear wing which
: also acts as an air brake, and a
: tailhook, the air brake & 'hook
: being deployed automatically by the 2nd
: stage main engine back-charge.
: Driving duties are handled by Flt. Lt.
: Stan Part, who has successfully
: completed over 350 missions.
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