There are always a good number of questions from newbies to model rocketry. It is just part of the learning process to understand why certain components are used over other components. So what does a model rocket fuse do?
A model rocket fuse is typically a cord that can range in length from a couple of inches to a few meters. The fuse when lit offers a slow and controlled burn to ignite the engine. And if using a fuse in a model rocket it needs to reach the propellant inside of the engine.
In this post, we will go through what does a model rocket fuse does. Let’s get started!
What Does A Model Rocket Fuse Do?
A model rocket fuse is typically a cord that can range in length from a couple of inches to meters. The fuse when lit offer a slow and controlled burn to launch the rocket.
And if using a fuse in a model rocket it needs to reach the propellant inside of the engine.
Can You Launch A Model Rocket With A Fuse?
Yes, you can use a fuse in a model rocket. Just instead of the igniter, you insert the fuse into your rocket’s motor to reach the propellant.
And then from a safe distance lit the fuse.
Can You Estes Model Rocket With Fuse?
Simply Estes rockets are designed with safety in mind so it is safer to stick with the electrical igniter that Estes rockets come with than trying to add a fuse instead.
There are three problems with fuses for igniting model rocket engines. These are as follows.
- The problem with using a fuse you will never know exactly when the motor will start.
- Once you light the fuse you can not safely stop the launch if something happens such as the wind blows the rocket over or if there are passersby.
- With a fuse, you can’t tell if it has burned out completely, so it could be still smoldering and about the ignite the motor.
Should You Use A Fuse In A Model Rocket?
It is NOT considered safe to use a fuse in a model rocket. The main reason is health and safety. It is that if you are using a fuse in your rocket the problem is that you can not accurately predict when your rocket will launch. Once the fuse is lit you can not stop it. Using a controller offers better control when launching the rocket.
There are other safety concerns such as the extra slag from the fuse. When the fuse is lit it could set on fire any bushes, grass, or leaves that the fuse is on.
Also if the fuse does not light the motor you will have to wait for a minute or two before you can approach the rocket to investigate just to be safe.
You should also remember that modern fuses can burn underwater or if wet, as their coating helps the fuse to burn if wet.
Are You Allowed To Launch Model Rockets Anywhere?
No, not really. You need to ensure that the location you are planning to launch the rocket is spacious and free from obstacles such as trees, power lines, people, and anything that the rocket can damage.
There is some regulation around launching model rockets but generally in the USA and other countries allow the launching of model rockets is relatively unrestricted but there is some regulation. But you do need to use some common sense such as if launching a model rocket on private or public property, without permission will always be considered illegal.
Final Thoughts
Finally, a model rocket fuse is typically a cord that can range in length from a couple of inches to a few meters. The fuse should ignite the engine inside the model rocket.
The fuse should be slow and controlled burn. And if using a fuse in a model rocket it needs to reach the propellant inside of the engine.
Are you on Pinterest? Pin these!
