Harrier 1
Overview
Harrier 1 is my first rocket designed for flight on 38 mm high-power engines and for flight at transonic speeds (Mach 0.8 - 1.2). Harrier 1 incorporated research on the best geometries and designs for supersonic flight, resulting in its sleek design. Harrier 1 is my first rocket to fly with airfoiled fins, three onboard cameras, a boattail, and a nosecone optimized for speeds past Mach 1. Harrier 1 proved vital for testing the Project 767 instrument payload and for gaining more high-power rocketry experience before moving to higher speeds. The name Harrier comes from a term for a cross country runner as well as the name of a bird of prey. My fellow harriers on the University School cross country team have been crucial to my development as a person, so the name of this rocket family, as well as its colors of garnet and Columbia blue, are a tribute to them!
Height
1313 mm / 51.69 in
Diameter
79 mm / 3.11 in
Mass
1.53 kg / 54.2 oz
Motor Mount
38 mm / 1.49 in
Flight Profile
Subsonic – Transonic
Speed Record
206 m/s / 460 mph / Mach 0.6 (February 24, 2024)
Payload
Internal Height
220 mm / 8.66 in
Internal Diameter
76 mm / 2.99 in
Capability
Harrier’s payload bay can house a variety of sensors to measure information about its flight and behavior
The payload section can also house mass simulators and has a mount for a single down-facing camera
Harrier is equipped with altimeter vent holes and can support a 76 mm diameter instrument unit
Booster
Height
633 mm / 24.92 in
Diameter
79 mm / 3.11 in
Motor Mount
38 mm / 1.49 in
Capability
Harrier’s booster section can power flights with a variety of 38 mm engines
The engine mount is equipped with two camera mounts as well as four airfoiled fins
The booster also houses recovery devices like the parachute, shock cord, and Chute Release