Rocket racer is 'go' for show

John J. Corbin, Fort Worth, Texas — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:20:04 GMT

I still don't understand the logic of rocket racing, not to mention the obvious safety hazards. We've had jet aircraft for over 50 years. Yet, jets have only been on display at airshows (and occasionally crash). Why haven't we had NASCAR-like jet racers in the past? Jets may be slower than rockets but they are still spectacular. Safety, of course, is an issue because rocket racers will surely crash into each other or crash land, just as earth-bound NASCARs do today. But I do admire the technology and await the advent of rocket plane transportation.

Rocket racer is 'go' for show

Carol, WI — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:26:03 GMT

I saw the Rocket Racer up close at the Experimental Aircraft Association's annual Airventure air show in Oshkosh, WI this summer. What I found to be odd was it was sponsored by DKNY (Donna Karan New York). I never would have put fashion together with aviation.

Personally, I did not find the demonstration all that exciting, but I do support pushing the limits in technology. In these depressing times it would be nice to get back to a time when we are innovative and come together for a common goal. If there are still organizations out there that have the capital to support such ventures, we should be grateful.

I am too young to have been part of the first moon landing, but was able to appreciate the first shuttle launch. These are the events that make Americans proud and prove we can be leaders in technology around the world.

Rocket racer is 'go' for show

Greg — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 18:47:33 GMT

Nellis AFB is in Nevada, not California.

[ALAN ADDS: Thanks, Greg, I slavishly followed the press release and thus deserved to make an error. Nellis is so close to Vegas that it's almost like counting it twice.]

Rocket racer is 'go' for show

Dan, traverse city, Mi — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 19:43:31 GMT

Good Reporting, Nice little tidbit at the end. Not that it means anything, though I don't doubt that he would like to acquire AA.

Rocket racer is 'go' for show

JP, Boulder, CO — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 20:24:50 GMT

The whole concept of rocket racing is really kinda silly. I assume that their target audence is the bloodthirsty sector that goes to races in hopes of getting to see a crash with bodies flying all over the place. I'm certain that they will not be disappointed! These things are flying bombs/coffins at best. All that's lacking is a super-aggressive, narcissistic pilot with no regard for the safety of the other "racers" or his own and there you have it - the flying version of the WWF (or whatever they call it these days). Sounds like a real class-act for Vegas. Pretty pathetic.

Rocket racer is 'go' for show

A.G. Pym — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:19:53 GMT

>I assume that their target audence is the >bloodthirsty sector that goes to races in hopes of >getting to see a crash with bodies flying all over >the place.

JP, you don't understand flying, do you? The target audience for the RRL are those of us who not only will enjoy the raw power embodied in these sleek, innovative aircraft, but the incredible piloting skills that will be on display (energy management, fuel management, extreme precision flight, etc.).

Just remember, please, that you *don't* have to watch, or pay any attention to it at all if you don't want to, or if that makes you feel superior. The rest of us will be too busy marveling at the show.

--A.G. Pym

Rocket racer is 'go' for show

Tim, Claremont, CA — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:57:08 GMT

While I agree that rocket racing may be a little silly, I don't know that it will be much more dangerous than current air races (a la Reno Air Show). They've been racing P-51's for years at 400+ mph.

Rocket racer is 'go' for show

Peter, Portland, OR — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 01:19:28 GMT

I don't remember hearing why RRL switched from XCOR to Armadillo? I thought they were going to have both motors competing side by side? XCOR spent a lot of time working with RRL developing its motor and rocketplane and then for some reason RRL dumps them for Armadillo?

[ALAN ADDS: Yes, that does seem strange, and there are probably some behind-the-scenes factors at work. Whitelaw has spoken about how important safety, reliability and reusability are in a racing environment ... and the subtext for that may be a dissatisfaction with the way the XCOR operates somehow. But I haven't really picked up on anything wrong with XCOR's engine. Of course, this is rocket science, so generally speaking, there are probably times when a rocket engine doesn't work exactly right. But I haven't heard anything indicating that was a huge problem. It could be that there are business considerations ... for example, how much XCOR was being paid, or the fact that XCOR really wants to get focused on its Lynx project. Meanwhile, as I mentioned at the tail end of the item, the RRL may be contemplating some sort of financial deal with its engine provider, and maybe that deal wasn't a good fit for XCOR. I have no inside information on this issue, it's just a guess based on trying to figure out the dynamics here.]

Rocket racer is 'go' for show

Joe, Tampa, FL — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 01:56:12 GMT

Why no love? Sounds neat to me, if they want to spend their money on rocket planes and race them go for it. I do ask they do it over water or some unpopulated area. If they crash, hey that's a risk they take. Just don't take anyone else with ya!

Rocket racer is 'go' for show

JP Boulder CO — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:05:38 GMT

Hey A.G. Pym,

I've been a pilot all my life and I know a deathtrap when I see it. Folks like you, who haven't actually done anything like this, are easily "wowed" by this kind of thing & I wish you all the best. As for me, it's a huge "yawn".

Rocket racer is 'go' for show

Peter, Portland, OR — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 20:10:14 GMT

Alan, found the answer to our question on www.personalspaceflight.info

Written by Jeff Foust
"Since then, though, there have been some interesting—perhaps even odd—developments, namely the RRL’s decision to go solely with the alternative engine developed by Armadillo Aerospace, and tested in late August and early September. RRL co-founder Granger Whitelaw said that XCOR’s engine, which by all accounts performed well at Oshkosh and in previous tests, did not meet the RRL’s “standards of safety, reliability, reusability, and performance”, according to one press account. That’s puzzled many observers, given XCOR’s good reputation as a developer of a number of safe and successful rocket engines."

Rocket racer is 'go' for show

Rick Semmell — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 21:56:57 GMT

WOW! Somebody ( or a few somebody's ) need some coffee and a happy pill.

This is an amazingly exciting sport, integrating various technologies to bring something new to the world of Sports and hopefully advancements in many things for society ( Like Auto racing has done over the last 60 years ) thru its technologies, testing and advancements. This applies to GA, Space and other transportation sectors.

It takes a bit more than a reactive view.. st back and learn.. then you might "get it" and the deeper business being built here.

Alan.... WOW... some pretty far fetched thought processes on RRL and its business plans.
JP.. I am sure they would let you fly it if you think you can handle one..... but I don't think you'll have the guts to show up.... YAN.. all talk no action.. 'eh?