LOHAN fires up sizzling thruster

First test of Vulture 2 powerplant

Here's a detailed view of the rig:

1. Copperhead ignitor wire
2. Motor
3. Ring-type thermocouple
4. Pipe clips
5. Protective Teflon pressure pad

The pressure pad is actually one of those feet you stick under furniture to stop it scratching your parquet floor, but it made the perfect support for the motor to ensure the scales didn't get roasted.

Finally, here's the whole set-up complete with cameras, and ready to roll...

..and here's our video of the test, for your viewing pleasure:

Once the smoke had cleared, we were interested to note the motor casing didn't get as hot as expected - hitting a mere 82°C - probably due to the insulating effect of the reload's cardboard outer tube.

Regarding thrust, it's up to the Southampton Uni boys to tell us if they need more power. If they do, we'll get it sorted.

And finally, if we do go with the AeroTech motor, we'll have to find an alternative to the Copperhead ignitor. It's a fragile laminated foil conductor affair which isn't robust enough for our purposes and would probably ice up and short out anyway.

Next up on the LOHAN test agenda is the aforementioned REHAB experiment. Watch this space...