Erik, I don't think there was any question it could be made to work. I still have a few questions:
(1) The takeoff seems to require at least a little forward roll. Is this a matter of improving pilot technique, or are there stability issues yet to be solved?
Answer: Clark claims he has done several TO:s this summer when he popped vertically streight up in the air. He just didn´t manage to get them on film.
If you ask me, it apears to be more stable to have a forward speed at lift-off though, as on the clip. Just my own thinking.
(2) The automatic record level control in most video cameras masks the relative sound level between the engine and the tip rockets. They seem very loud, on a par with the noise level of an unmuffled Mac engine, but has anyone measured exactly how loud?
Answer: The rockets are pretty noisy in real life. I have meassured the noise level with a decibell meter once, but I don´t remember the reading (I believe if you scrutinize old reports on my website you can find the reading somewere)
(3) What are the risks (and regulations) associated with talking off on grass, as Clark did in this video? We're told H2O2 can start fires if spilled on combustible surfaces.
Answer: There is practically no risk if the grass is fairly green/fresh as on the movie.
When I handed over the system to Clark last summer, I poured peroxide on dry grass just to sdemonstrate grass can take fire, but it did not. I failed to create a fire on anything I tried, like dry grass and dry wood at that time, but for sure; -In principle one CAN start a fire at least on very dry grass, just when starting the rockets.
(4) What would we do for rotor blades and rotor heads? Are any special precautions or maintenance required?
Answer: My plan now is to offer complete systems including blades with rockets and rotor head with fuel transfer lines -if there is an interest. As an alternative I may offer just the tip rockets for the buyer to install them on his blades himself and modify his own rotor head. If you send drawings/pictures I could give some opinion/advice regarding possible installations.
I am very impressed with what you've achieved here!
