The rocket lifted off the pad pulling about 7 gees, as it entered the
Mach transition region the trailing fin tips started to flutter and two of
them sheared/shredded off, the rocket then seem to gain in velocity
punching through Mach.
At apogee the primary charge (25 grams) did not fire, the backup
altimeter fired 2 seconds later (35 grams) and blew out all the chutes.
The delayed deployment cracked the upper part of the airframe.
Total damage: Lost 30% of two fins, cracked the upper payload
section. Nose cone came through unharmed.
Jeff Stai Pictures
These three shots seem to truly capture the essence of the Black
Brant.
Video
Van Norman Audio Visual setup multiple cameras and was
responsible for capturing vast amounts of video
Dave Moore who camped right next to the BBII posted these photos to his
site.
Jeff Taylor decided to make his Black Brant liftoff shot the front
page news item for his site.
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01/24/09
THE BLACK BRANT PROJECTon the verge of insanity
