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SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION AND
The AeroTech Sumo™ is a Level 1 ready rocket kit that requires extra attention to construction details
and operational techniques. Please be certain before flying your Sumo rocket that you have inspected
all of these critical assembly steps and follow these pre and post flight inspections:
(1) All fins must have a glue fillet applied between the root edges and the body tube to
withstand the forces of high power motors.
(2) The front centering ring must have an airtight seal at the junction of the body tube to
prevent any ejection gas from escaping to the area around the motor tube. Make certain
that there is no glue inside the body tube that could hinder the operational motion of the piston
assembly.
(3) The bulkhead disc (heat shield) must be in place securely with the screw eye attached. It
can be temporarily removed for the cleaning of ejection residues inside of the body tube and for
shock cord replacement.
(4) The proper spacers are used with both hobby motors (yellow) & High Power motors (black),
and 3/4" masking tape is applied to the nozzle end of the case for single use motors. Without
these in place the motors will move forward during flight and adversely affect center of gravity.
(5) The motor hook must be in place behind all motors and you must then tape the junction
between the aft closure / aft end of the motor and the motor tube with at least 1"
masking tape very securely. This prevents any ejection gas from escaping around the motor
tube and will prevent the motor from ejecting from the motor tube. Failure to perform this step
may result in the piston assembly not functioning properly and not ejecting the parachute.
(6) Although AeroTech High Power "H" reload kits contain a pre-measured amount of black
powder (1.4 grams), only use 1/2 of the supplied amount. The proper amount has been
determined to be between .7 and 1.0 grams for the piston ejection system. Using more than
this amount may lead to premature wear and/or failure of the shock cord. Standard AeroTech
"G" class single use motors and G64 reloads can be used as supplied.
(7) INSPECT the entire length of the shock cord after every flight for any visible damage by
stretching and observing for any weak spots. Replace all damaged shock cords before
attempting next flight. This is considered a wear part and is easily replaced.
©2004 RCS Rocket Motor Components, Inc.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
8
19924 SUMO KIT REV: 8/04
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