Model-rocketry conceptDesignerDrawing 22 of 47
Thrust Vector
Control
A model rocketry idea for steering the rocket by pointing the motor instead of relying on fins. It never got past the concept stage.
- StatusConcept only, never built
- RecordNo drawings or repository survive
- Sibling projectReaction wheel, which got further
Sheet 02 of 06/The idea
Steering with the motor
Fins can only steer a rocket once it's moving fast enough for the air to push back on them. Tilting the motor works from the moment it lights.
Sheet 03 of 06/Control loop
The control loop
A gimbal can't steer on its own. It needs something to measure which way the rocket is pointing, decide on a correction, and move fast enough to make that correction before the rocket has already moved on.
Sheet 04 of 06/Where it stopped
Where it stopped
It never got built, and no drawings or repository survive for this one. The reaction wheel, its sibling project, went further.
Sheet 06 of 06/Not issued
Not photographed yet
I don't have pictures of this one yet. This space is saved for them.
assets/projects/thrust-vector-control/01-lead.webp