The empire struck back - may the X-Wing RIP

First thing I noticed in my in-box this AM was a link to the Gizmodo article on the disintegration of Andy Woerner's 23' X-Wing (video also on YouTube). At over 500 pounds, the liftoff was slow and the rocket quickly began to tip over. Shortly thereafter it came apart. I still haven't heard what class motors were used. My condolences to all involved. My congratulations to all witnesses to this 'really cool' flight.

Here's a better quality video with some pre-flight and slo-mo. Originally, it looked to me like it tipped over because one of the movable wings failed. However, I'm beginning to buy in to the theory that the initial tip increased the angle of attack and one of the large wings was damaged by the airflow. Awfully ambitious project.


X Wing Rocket - Watch more free videos

Lots of great stills can be found on Brad Pennock's Flickr album: