Science

Full Scale Boilerplate Capsule Production and 100 Tonnes to Protect the Living

Dear reader. This is a visual blog showing the progress of the full scale boilerplate of Tycho Deep Space II and our new rocket test-cell. A boilerplate is a crude metal-version of the actual ship used for various rough testing such as drop-tests, buoyancy and more. By creating this model for little money and time […]
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Solidworks model of the simple boilerplate from only 13 parts. Image: Kristian von BengtsonSolidworks model of the simple boilerplate. Image: Kristian von Bengtson

Dear reader.

This is a visual blog showing the progress of the full scale boilerplate of Tycho Deep Space II and our new rocket test-cell. A boilerplate is a crude metal-version of the actual ship used for various rough testing such as drop-tests, buoyancy and more. By creating this model for little money and time we learn so much!

The basic model created in Solidworks contains only 13 parts - made from 2mm and 6mm plain carbon steel which have been laser cut. These parts arrived Monday and the entire week has been spend on bending, hammering and welding metal. When the last data on aerodynamic stability i known, we will place the center of gravity by adding the remaining 150 kg bringing the total mass of the capsule to a desired 450 kg.

Feel free to download the capsule model here (solidworks 2013 & .stl, 1.2 MB)

The process of creating boilerplate-1. Image: Kristian von BengtsonThe process of creating boilerplate-1. Image: Kristian von Bengtson

Last week I wrote that we were back on the megalomania track and have started working the big 1600 launch vehicle. Since the last blog Copenhagen Suborbitals has removed our two previous vertical-test-cell (VTC) used for static rocket engine testing and have created the foundation of our new 100 tonnes VTC3. Those tests are going to be nuts!

Giant LEGO-construction of the biggest amateur rocket test stand, in the world - VTC3. Image: Mads StenfattGiant LEGO-construction of the biggest amateur rocket test stand, in the world - VTC3. Image: Mads Stenfatt
100 tonnes for protecting the living. Image: Mads Stenfatt

As a farewell to the previous test-cells Thomas Pedersen of Copenhagen Suborbitals has created this tribute video. Enjoy!

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Kristian von Bengtson