Mark 2 Mod 1 Stomp Rocket

Although not original in concept, and as ubiquitously proliferated as the stinger missile, no other RMR Descon has undertaken to describe the construction and operation of this small but capable missile which is in the inventory of just about every tinpot dictator and rocketeer in the world. Besides, no one told me how to make and fly this. I figured it out on my own after I "found" a Mark 1 model.

For those unfamiliar with military revision level changes, the following explanation is provided in regard to the Mark 2 Stomp Rocket. A mark number is a major revision that significantly changes form, fit or function of the weapon system. A Mod number is a smaller change that only improves the capability of currently designed features. The term "Mark 1, Mod 0" has thus entered the lexicon of society to mean basic, unaltered.

Mark 1 Mod 0 Stomp Rocket: compressed air propulsion, limited range and target acquisition/kill capability, but simple enough for a 3 year old to operate (or any Army infantryman).

Mark 2 Mod 0 Stomp Rocket: The Mark 2 allows use of any 18mm black powder missile propulsion unit in current inventory, which significantly increases range and speed. One concern is a significant increase in noise levels allowing easier acquisition by enemy counterfire battaries, so use is recommended in a low threat environment only. The 18mm black powder propellent is ignited electronically, by any launch system in current inventory. Mod 0 was a prototype model that showed need for upgrade after two test firings, which were somewhat unstable during flight and loss of a relatively small launch lug torn off during launch.

Mark 2 Mod 1 Stomp Rocket: Modifications included increased nose weight and a longer launch lug. The 3 inch launch lug is necessary due to the long moment arm between the force vector of the engine propulsion and the launch rod stabilizer. The launch lug is also attached into a hollowed out channel in the rocket body thus increasing the surface area of adhesion.

Construction and Flight

You take a Mark 1, Mod 0 stomp rocket and add a short section of BT-20 as an engine tube. Epoxy it into the bottom and hold it straight while the epoxy sets. Then you take a long section of launch lug, dig out a little furrow along one side, and epoxy in the launch lug. Finally, you cut off the top, hollow out a large space inside the nose, bury a section of dowel down the middle of the rocket body to give it strength, fill the hollow with some metal (I used washers) and epoxy for nose weight, and jam the nose back on to the end of the dowel holding it firm till the epoxy sets. My stomp rocket weighs 1.9 oz. without an engine. The CG is at about the middle. Then you fly it on anything you want to as long as the ground cover is not dry enough to catch on fire from the hot ejected engine. Prep is as easy as putting an igniter in an engine and loading the pad. The flight depicted here was a B6-4, where the rocket "WHOOSHED" to about 75-100 feet, arced over, ejected the engine with a healthy sounding "POP", and dove toward the ground for a good healthy "BOINK"!

Launch Report

Flights have been successful on A8-3, B4-2, B6-2, and B6-4 propulsion units. I haven't noticed a lot of in-flight photos with these other RMR Descon entries, and a lot of them have failed after one or two flights, so I urge you all to consider reliability and stability in your vote. Ed and I thank you for your support.