DARE demo launch picture page

Maasvlakte, 15 August, 2008 - For the first time DARE was to launch a rocket on the freshmen students introduction of the TU Delft Aerospace Engineering's student union "VSV Leonardo da Vinci" (of which DARE is a part). The NAVRO was present with a launch tower and for supervision. The (long) day before the launch DARE had built a simple HPR rocket. Unusual for DARE, the rocket was propelled by a commercial motor, as with the new regulations only commercial propelled rockets may be launched outside military bases. Although a little rough, the EJW rocket was very well built.

The launch was in the afternoon of the day in between the air show, which was organised for the students. After motor assembly and preparation, the launch was postponed for an our to make the way for more aircraft fly by's. But the waiting was awarded and when the rocket was launched, it looked very pretty, with the sea just a few meters away. The rocket flew very well, but didn't parachute and crashed in the sea, not to be seen again unfortunately.

The freshmen students form letters in the sand for the passing aircraft. Elco Lagendijk and Peter Leemker carried the NAVRO HPR launch tower down the dune. An aircraft of the Dutch Coast Guard made some flypasts. Pleun Punt, Elco Lagendijk and Peter Leemker assemble the launch tower. The demonstration of a Lynx helicopter of the Dutch Royal Navy was the most impressive of the day. Hein Olthof of DARE assembled the AeroTech H180W motor. Peter van Gemert and Hein Olthof secure the AeroTech motor in the rocket. The Cessna Citation laboratory airplane of the TU Delft and NLR also made some flypasts. Martijn de Milliano carried the rocket to the beach, American style. Peter Leemker and Hein Olthof with the EJW rocket. Peter Leemker observes as Hein Olthof connects the igniter. The launch of the EJW rocket. To be able to view flashvideos you must have enabled javascript. Video of the launch. The rocket flew very good. Until it was almost out of sight and not parachuted. Vliegclub Rotterdam gave a demonstration in formation flying. And one of their aircraft continued on with some aerobatics. The whole day para gliders were active, using the thermals of the dunes. The HPR launch tower just fitted in Peter Leemkers car.