Parker Donates Valves For Rocket Tests
Parker Fluid Control Division is supporting the testing of 70 rockets constructed among 40 high schools and has donated pressure relief valves for Fredericksburg High School's rocket tests. At the upcoming Rockets 2010 near Willow City - scheduled for 22-25 April - 70 rockets will launch from six launch pads - one every 20-30 minutes - and reach altitudes of one to two miles. At each of these pads, three Parker Hannifin valves help load and vent, if needed, the oxidiser and assist in motor ignition.
'Parker's valves are at the heart of our ability to test during these four days,' said Brett Williams, Fredericksburg High School teacher and the creator of the school's progressive, project-based aerospace curriculum. 'In the past, we've used another company's fill/fire system, but the confidence level at each testing was not where we wanted it. 'This year we have designed and developed a new, more robust fill/fire system that is designed entirely around the valves provided by Parker Fluid Control,' he added.
Leading to the annual testing event in April, alternative fuels and nozzle materials are assessed at a propulsion research facility developed by Fredericksburg High School. The three levels of free flight sounding rocket testing include: 1lb payload to one-mile altitude, transonic flight, and 35lb payload to altitudes between 80-100,000ft (tested at the US Army's White Sands Missile Range). Williams credits Parker Hannifin with helping the propulsion research facility become a reality by donating the valves used in the tests.
'Parker's valves are at the heart of our ability to test during these four days,' said Brett Williams, Fredericksburg High School teacher and the creator of the school's progressive, project-based aerospace curriculum. 'In the past, we've used another company's fill/fire system, but the confidence level at each testing was not where we wanted it. 'This year we have designed and developed a new, more robust fill/fire system that is designed entirely around the valves provided by Parker Fluid Control,' he added.
Leading to the annual testing event in April, alternative fuels and nozzle materials are assessed at a propulsion research facility developed by Fredericksburg High School. The three levels of free flight sounding rocket testing include: 1lb payload to one-mile altitude, transonic flight, and 35lb payload to altitudes between 80-100,000ft (tested at the US Army's White Sands Missile Range). Williams credits Parker Hannifin with helping the propulsion research facility become a reality by donating the valves used in the tests.
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