| 1 |
Overview of Competition
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1.1 |
Safety is of primary importance.TRA and Prefects and TAP members request that launch competitors, competitor’s assistants, RSO’s and LCO’s take all precautions to prevent any accident or injury to TRA members, launch spectators, and other competitors. The TRA safety code shall be followed as applicable. This includes landing within the waiver cylinder.
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1.2 |
Tripoli awards records for flights made less than 30,000 feet MSL based on flyer-supplied barometric flight computers. All flights anticipated of achieving records 30,000 MSL and over are to use flyer-supplied GPS units for altitude verification.
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1.3 |
Violation of the rules and disputes
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1.3.1 |
Violation of these rules will lead to disqualification of the entry.
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1.3.2 |
Violation of the applicable TRA safety code or TRA Research Safety Code will lead to disqualification of the entry.
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1.3.3 |
Decisions of the TRA Competition Committee are final and cannot be brought before the TRA BOD or other TRA body.
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| 2 |
Rules and Procedures
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2.1 |
Recommended Equipment
Using specific equipment, rocket altitude record attempts can be conducted accurately, and safely, providing a reliable basis for establishing new records.
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2.1.1 |
Only commercially available recording altimeters are acceptable for record attempts. Commercially available altimeters are designed and manufactured by professionals using high-quality components and materials. They typically undergo rigorous testing to ensure their reliability and safety. Homemade and self-assembled electronic products can be of varying quality depending on the expertise and experience of the person who made/assembled them. In addition, they may not have undergone testing or quality control measures. Therefore, self-designed and self-built devices are not considered acceptable for record attempts.
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2.1.2 |
Modifying altimeters is unacceptable, including using power sources outside the manufacturer's voltage range or deliberately attempting to produce excessively high-altitude readings
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2.1.3 |
For flights up to 30,000 MSL, the altimeter shall use barometric measurement techniques to record flight apogee altitude AGL, relative to the launch pad elevation.
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2.1.4 |
The altimeter shall provide a readout of apogee from the most recent flight.
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2.1.5 |
The altimeter shall be capable of being placed in a preflight state of readiness to record new flight data and report this new data post-flight. This state shall be audibly or visibly verifiable.
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2.1.6 |
Rockets expected to achieve altitudes of 30,000 feet MSL and above shall utilize a flyer-supplied commercial GPS unit. TRA Records Committee shall review and validate the GPS data.
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2.1.7 |
Flyers shall submit any recorded barometer and accelerometer flight computer data along with the GPS data file for the flight.
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2.2
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Record Attempt Procedure
A set procedure for attempting a rocket altitude record promotes fairness, safety, transparency, and progress in the field.
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2.2.1 |
Each record attempt requires two designated "Official Witnesseses" who observe and validate the record according to this procedure. They ensure accurate documentation and authentication exist. These Official Witnesses may be Tripoli BOD members, Tripoli Prefects, Tripoli TAP Members, or the Launch Director or RSO of the launch. Note: The person attempting the record cannot be their own Official Witness.
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2.2.2 |
Each flight can be an attempt for a single category or class and should have only one record application
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2.2.3 |
Before launch, contestants shall submit a signed TRA Records Application form to the Official Witnesses Official Witnesses, announcing their intent and any requirements. Contestants shall sign the record application form, and the Official Witnesses Official Witnesses shall witness the maximum altitude on the same day.
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2.2.4 |
The Official Witnesses may request the "owner's manual" for the altimeter or GPS Unit if questions arise about its operation or post-flight readout.
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2.2.5 |
The total impulse of any flight shall not exceed 40,960-newton seconds (including motors up to and including Q designations for research motor competitions).
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2.2.6 |
In a record attempt, the rocket can only use impulse generated by the rocket motor(s). Therefore, boost assist from sabot tubes, air pressure, external forces, or propellant not part of the rocket is not allowed.
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2.3 |
Post-Flight Procedure
This procedure maintains the integrity and accuracy of record attempts. The submission process allows for data analysis, documentation, verification, and the capture of valuable insights.
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2.3.1 |
After the flight, the flyer shall return their rocket to the Official Witnesses for inspection. Additionally, the Official Witnesses at the launch site should witness downloading of the flight log from the altimeter and GPS unit to verify that the files supplied to the TRA Records Committee are accurate.
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2.3.2 |
The record application form shall be signed on the same day as the flight, by the flyer and the Official Witness witnessing the maximum altitude as read from the altimeter or GPS unit. If the rocket is not recovered on the same day, the Records committee may, at its discretion, approve the flight. Backdating of record applications is not permitted.
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2.3.3 |
Two Official Witnesses shall witness and sign on any record attempt. Both Official Witnesses shall be current TRA members. Official Witnesses ensure compliance with TRA safety rules, including RSO approval and proper launch distance conformance.
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2.3.4 |
If an altimeter fails to record an altitude, the flight will not be considered an official record attempt.
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2.3.5 |
Flyers are required to submit any recorded barometer and accelerometer flight computer data along with the GPS data file for the flight.
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2.3.6 |
For every event and every attempt, rockets shall successfully deploy their recovery device(s) and have a safe descent. The same standards used in certification flights shall apply to Tripoli Records.
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2.3.7 |
If altimeter data is significantly inconsistent with the observed flight, the Official Witnesses may disallow the flight. The Official Witnesses or Records Committee's decision on interpreting the altimeter data is final.
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2.4 |
Record Submission and Review
For all attempts for all altitudes, contestants shall provide data for the entire flight, not just the altitude readout, regardless of altitude. (Flights above 30k also require GPS data.)
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2.4.1 |
Flyer shall submit the following items to the Records Committee within 30 days after the attempt:
-Record Applicaton (signed by the flyer and two official witnesses)
-Altimeter Data
-GPS Data (if applicable)
-High Quality picture of the Rocket and of the flyer (Preferably at launch site)
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2.4.2 |
When the maximum altitude of a flight occurs more than 5 seconds after an ejection event, then the peak altitude before the ejection event will be the official maximum altitude for the record attempt.
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2.4.3 |
The TRA Records Committee would notify the flyer if the flyer successfully attained a new record in a category/class and replace the previous record for that category. The flight will be posted on the TRA Hall of Fame web page along with flight information, pictures, and graphs of altimeter data.
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2.4.4 |
The same standards used to determine success in certification flights shall apply to Tripoli Records.
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2.4.5 |
For events which are based on total impulse, the motor class will be determined by the total impulse of all motor(s) as tested and not the manufacturer's designation or estimated total impulse.
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| 3.0 |
Record Categories
The following categories are approved for Tripoli high power launches. Tripoli launch organizers are encouraged to hold these competition events at their launches. Individuals may participate in these events when they are held at these Tripoli launches or attempt to set the record for the event on their own when no competition event has been scheduled for the launch.
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3.1 |
Altitude Competition - Single Motor configuration
This altitude competition aims to obtain the greatest altitude possible for a given total impulse for a single motor configuration.
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3.1.1 |
The event is open to all rockets using certified motors.
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3.1.2 |
This category only permits single motors, it does not allow staged or clustered flights (including boosted darts).
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3.1.3 |
The following altitude record classes will be maintained:
| F |
40.01 |
to |
80 newton-seconds |
| G |
80.01 |
to |
160 newton-seconds |
| H |
160.01 |
to |
320 newton-seconds |
| I |
320.01 |
to |
640 newton-seconds |
| J |
640.01 |
to |
1280 newton-seconds |
| K |
1280.01 |
to |
2560 newton-seconds |
| L |
2560.01 |
to |
5120 newton-seconds |
| M |
5120.01 |
to |
10240 newton-seconds |
| N |
10240.01 |
to |
20480 newton-seconds |
| O |
20480.01 |
to |
40960 newton-seconds
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3.2 |
Altitude Competition - Staged Motor configurations
This altitude competition aims to obtain the greatest altitude possible for a given total impulse for staged motor configurations.
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3.2.1 |
The event is open to all rockets using certified motors.
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3.2.2 |
The total impulse of all motor(s) as tested determines the motor class.
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3.2.3 |
This category only allows a rocket to utilize a staged configuration. No clustered, strap-on boosters or boosted darts are allowed in this section.
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3.2.4 |
The following altitude record classes will be maintained:
| F |
40.01 |
to |
80 newton-seconds |
| G |
80.01 |
to |
160 newton-seconds |
| H |
160.01 |
to |
320 newton-seconds |
| I |
320.01 |
to |
640 newton-seconds |
| J |
640.01 |
to |
1280 newton-seconds |
| K |
1280.01 |
to |
2560 newton-seconds |
| L |
2560.01 |
to |
5120 newton-seconds |
| M |
5120.01 |
to |
10240 newton-seconds |
| N |
10240.01 |
to |
20480 newton-seconds |
| O |
20480.01 |
to |
40960 newton-seconds
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3.3 |
Altitude Competition- Cluster Motor configurations
This altitude competition aims to obtain the greatest altitude possible for a given total impulse for cluster motor configurations (Minimum three motors).
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3.3.1 |
The event is open to all rockets using certified motors.
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3.3.2 |
The rocket's motor class is determined based on the total impulse of all motors as tested.
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3.3.3 |
Only rockets using a cluster configuration are allowed under this category. No staged, dropped strap-on boosters or boosted darts are allowed in this section. Motors that are air started are acceptable.
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3.3.4 |
The following altitude record classes will be maintained:
| F |
40.01 |
to |
80 newton-seconds |
| G |
80.01 |
to |
160 newton-seconds |
| H |
160.01 |
to |
320 newton-seconds |
| I |
320.01 |
to |
640 newton-seconds |
| J |
640.01 |
to |
1280 newton-seconds |
| K |
1280.01 |
to |
2560 newton-seconds |
| L |
2560.01 |
to |
5120 newton-seconds |
| M |
5120.01 |
to |
10240 newton-seconds |
| N |
10240.01 |
to |
20480 newton-seconds |
| O |
20480.01 |
to |
40960 newton-seconds
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3.4 |
Altitude – Hybrid Motors
The Hybrid Motor Record aims to obtain the highest altitude possible for a given total impulse with a hybrid motor. The event is open to all rockets using Tripoli-certified hybrid motors.
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3.4.1 |
The rocket's motor class is determined based on the total impulse of all motors as tested.
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3.4.2 |
This current hybrid category allows single motor configurations, clusters, and staging.
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3.4.3 |
Only certified hybrid motors may be used.
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3.4.4 |
The following altitude record classes will be maintained:
| H |
160.01 |
to |
320 newton-seconds |
| I |
320.01 |
to |
640 newton-seconds |
| J |
640.01 |
to |
1280 newton-seconds |
| K |
1280.01 |
to |
2560 newton-seconds |
| L |
2560.01 |
to |
5120 newton-seconds |
| M |
5120.01 |
to |
10240 newton-seconds |
| N |
10240.01 |
to |
20480 newton-seconds
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3.5 |
Altitude - Handicapped
The purpose of the handicapped rocket altitude competition is to achieve the highest possible altitudes when there are restrictions on both the total impulse used and the minimum rocket diameter and length. This event should also appeal to those who fly on limited-sized fields and allow many rockets flown at typical launches which are not minimum diameter to be competitive. Restricting a rocket's total impulse and diameter shifts the emphasis toward modifying weight, drag, and design to increase altitude.
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3.5.1 |
The intent is to allow as many rockets as possible to participate in the event. The minimum length ensures that rockets with transitions, boat tails, and multiple diameters may participate, provided they have the required minimum diameter for the specified length.
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3.5.2 |
The classes reflect industry-standard tubing sizes. Therefore, they are slightly below the standard diameters to the nearest quarter of an inch. Note: the diameter listed is the minimum, not the maximum.
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3.5.3 |
If a multistage rocket is used, then the uppermost stage shall conform to the above diameter and length restrictions. This does not exclude the use of multistage rockets, but does not provide them with an advantage over single stage rockets.
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3.5.4 |
The following altitude record classes will be maintained:
| G |
2.50 inches for at least 2 feet |
160.00 newton-seconds |
| H |
3.75 inches for at least 3 feet |
320.00 newton-seconds |
| I |
3.75 inches for at least 3 feet |
640.00 newton-seconds |
| J |
5.00 inches for at least 5 feet |
1280.00 newton-seconds |
| K |
5.00 inches for at least 5 feet |
2560.00 newton-seconds |
| L |
7.5 inches for at least 8 feet |
5120.00 newton-seconds |
| M |
7.5 inches for at least 8 feet |
10260.00 newton-seconds |
| N |
11.5 inches for at least 12 feet |
20480.00 newton-seconds |
| O |
11.5 inches for at least 12 feet |
40960.00 newton seconds
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3.6 |
Altitude - Research Motor - Individual
The research motor altitude competition aims to challenge contestants to achieve the highest possible altitude for each motor class. These Tripoli altitude records will recognize the individuals whose rockets have attained the highest altitudes.
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3.6.1 |
Only individuals are permitted to enter this research competition. No groups are allowed. The contestant shall make the motor and the rocket to qualify.
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3.6.2 |
Individuals engaged in commercial motor manufacturing shall not be permitted to compete in this category.
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3.6.3 |
ll rockets having motors estimated of producing 2560 N-S and above shall have electronics on board for recovery.
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3.6.4 |
Only single-motor configuration flights are allowed in this category.
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3.6.5 |
The following altitude record classes will be maintained:
| Case Diameter (Max OD) |
Max Case Length |
Approximate Class |
| 24mm |
any |
E |
| 29mm |
any |
F, G, H |
| 38mm |
under 12" |
I |
| 38mm |
12" and greater |
J |
| 54mm |
under 12" |
J |
| 54mm |
12" to 24" |
K |
| 54mm |
over 24" |
L |
| 75mm |
under 26" |
M |
| 75mm |
26" and over |
M |
| 98mm |
under 29" |
M |
| 98mm |
29" to 48" |
N |
| 98mm |
over 48" |
O |
| 5" |
any |
O, P |
| 6" |
any |
O and above |
| Over 6" |
any |
O and above
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3.7 |
Altitude - Research Motor – Group Projects
The research motor altitude competition aims to challenge contestants to achieve the highest possible altitude. The following rules apply to research motor competitions:
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3.7.1 |
Only groups are permitted to enter this research competition. The group shall contain a member who made the motor to qualify. That person shall always be present.
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3.7.2 |
Individuals engaged in commercial motor manufacturing shall not be permitted to compete individually in this category.
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3.7.3 |
All rockets having motors estimated of producing 2560 N-S and above shall have electronics onboard.
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3.7.4 |
The uppermost stage shall conform to the diameter and length restrictions if the rocket is a multistage design. This rule does not exclude multistage rockets but does not give them an advantage over single-stage rockets.
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3.7.5 |
Record Information: Each motor class has the diameter restrictions listed.
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3.7.6 |
The following altitude record classes will be maintained:
| Case Diameter (Max OD) |
Max Case Length |
Approximate Class |
| 24mm |
any |
E |
| 29mm |
any |
F, G, H |
| 38mm |
under 12" |
I |
| 38mm |
12" and greater |
J |
| 54mm |
under 12" |
J |
| 54mm |
12" to 24" |
K |
| 54mm |
over 24" |
L |
| 75mm |
under 26" |
M |
| 75mm |
26" and over |
M |
| 98mm |
under 29" |
M |
| 98mm |
29" to 48" |
N |
| 98mm |
over 48" |
O |
| 5" |
any |
O, P |
| 6" |
any |
O and above |
| Over 6" |
any |
O and above
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3.8 |
Cumulative Altitude - Million Feet Award
The Million Feet Award recognizes individuals who have achieved one million feet in cumulative altitude for high-power rocket record attempts.
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3.8.1 |
Must be a member in good standing of the Tripoli Rocket Association.
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3.8.2 |
Record attempt flights shall adhere to the TRA Unified Safety Code.
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3.8.3 |
A single flyer shall accumulate 1,000,000 feet or greater in any number of flights.
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3.8.4 |
Motors may be certified or research in any configuration, single, cluster, or multistage.
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3.8.5 |
The award shall consist of recognition on the TRA website and a pin.
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3.8.6 |
The record of achievement will remain on the website even if membership lapses or the member is deceased.
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3.8.7 |
New flights - Use the form recording date, motor, airframe diameter and length, total weight, altimeter used, and altitude attained.
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3.8.8 |
Historical flights - Information can come from personal logs, paper or electronic, flight cards from launches, saved altimeter data, or other sources with the Committee's approval. Historically flights may be over at any time as long as there is documentation.
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3.8.9 |
Send documentation with name, TRA number, and contact information electronically (preferred) or on paper to address on the website. Flights with poor or questionable documentation will be accepted or rejected at the Committee's discretion. |
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