Dr. Rocket manufactures AEROTECH LICENSED and APPROVED RMS hardware. We manufacture all sizes from the 29/60 through the 98/10240. We also manufacture all the required components....cases, closures, and seal rings.
Yes, Aerotech knows we're doing this. Our hardware is licensed and approved by Aerotech (see photo below).
We sell the hardware as individual components (cases, closures, etc), motors, or systems. A motor is a case with a forward and aft closure. A system is several cases (depending on the diameter) and ONE set of closures.
Absolutely not! In fact, Dr. Rocket hardware is made by the same machine shop as Aerotech's. The machinist doesn't know if a particular part is going to end up as an Aerotech or a Dr. Rocket part. He just produces an aluminum part then ships it off to annodizing.
Glad you asked! Our case and forward closure are annodized RED so if you accidently eject your motor, it will be easier to find. Our aft closure is annodized BLACK to better hide the exhaust stains. Also, we do not use "stick on" labels which can cause problems when sliding the motor into the motor tube. We LASER ETCH our labels for a more professional look.
Of course. Dr. Rocket stands behind their product. All their hardware is warrantied against manufacturing defects only. Follow the instructions that come with your reload kit EXACTLY. Failure to assemble your reload correctly can destroy your hardware. Dr. Rocket cannot replace hardware damaged because of assembly error. Dr. Rocket warranties that the hardware is manufactured to the standards and tolerances required on the Aerotech blueprints. Remember, it's all made by the same machinist.
The parts are manufactured by the same machine shop to the same tolerances. They will interchange perfectly. However, for accountability reasons, interchanging hardware may void your warranty. We recommend that you do not interchange hardware.
Yes. Aerotech approves the use of RMS reload kits in Dr. Rocket hardware. The Aerotech reload kit warranty is still in effect, just as if the reload had been flown in Aerotech hardware.
Yes. The following is from Bob Sisk, chairman of the Tripoli Motor Testing (TMT) Committee: " As long as reloadable motor hardware is made of the same materials and to the same specifications and tolerances as that used for testing, TMT will consider it acceptable for use by certified Tripoli members." The full text of the letter is available from Dr. Rocket at our company address.
The following is from Gary Rosenfield, President of Aerotech: "The Dr. Rocket hardware is mfg. to the same blueprints (and thus the same materials, dimensions and tolerances) as the original RMS. They will even be made by the same machine shops. The only differences will be the color of the anodization and the labeling. Prior to LDRS, I had a conversation with Bruce Kelly about this subject. He stated that he would consider any AeroTech licensed hardware to be certified as if it bore the AeroTech label. AeroTech subsequently sent letters to the motor testing committees of both the NAR and Tripoli detailing the licensing plan and the fact that AeroTech considers this hardware identical in all engineering respects to its own. To date, no exception has been taken by either organization to the certification status of the licensed hardware." (Gary Rosenfield, Compuserve, 7/23/96)
Dr. Rocket hardware can be used at Tripoli and NAR sanctioned launches.