→This launch tower is intended for minimum diameter high-power rockets and will support rockets with the following airframe dimensions and fin spans.

• Airframe Diameter Range: 38mm → 4 inch
• Fin Span (max): 11 3/4 inch

You have options to mix and match various components to build the tower you need. There is a minimum set of components required to build a functional tower and is reflected in the “Core Tower Build” below. You will also be required to purchase various ‘off the self’ items from your favorite hardware supplier such as McMaster and Home Depot. 

There are two core scenarios – 1010 T-Slotted Rails vs. 1″ Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) Conduit

• At first glance using the EMT seems cheaper, but the reality is that additional parts are required to fully support the conduit especially if you want to prevent drilling through the pipes to secure the pipes to the struts. 
• These holes facing the rocket will act like a grater unless covered by high-temp tape. 
• The other tricky part in using the EMT is to align the top and bottom holes to prevent the tower from warping. NOTE: A warp in the tower will impart a spin in your rocket. 
• The 1″ EMT is however a stronger option since the 1″ pipe is less likely to flex and bend – this can be countered by adding an additional middle centering ring with the 1010 rail build.

My recommendation would be to use 1010 rails (8 feet sections) since this makes assembly much simpler. 

To “Blast Plate” or not??

• It is best practice to place a ‘blast plate’ below your launch tower and is required at most or all high-power launch events. A 2feet x 2feet – 1/4inch plate will do the trick. 
• It is more cost effective to purchase or source a blast plate yourself – then drill the required holes for the launch tower ‘mounting struts’ (drill template will be provide on request) 
• Alternatively, you can purchase this from us as well and we can do the custom drilling and engraving.
  • We can also supply the center blast cap and custom size options are available upon request.

Centering Rings

• The ‘centering ring’ can be purchased in either 1/2inch or 1/4inch 6061 aluminum. 
• If strength is required then:
  •  1/2″ is recommended.
  • Add an additional centering ring in the middle of the tower – using 1010 rails in this scenario is a much simpler and cleaner solution since you would need to drill holes through the 1″EMT pipe to secure the ring mounting brackets for the ‘middle tower ring” – not ideal. Will also be impossible to use the internal bolt blocks – these can only be used on the pipe ends.