Tigris Launch System
Introduction
Tigris is a rocket currently in development intended for use in NAR/Tripoli Level 1 and Level 2 certification flights. It utilizes a common base structure that can be used in a configuration for a level 1 flight (Tigris), or be expanded upon to utilize dual parachute deployment recovery for use in a level 2 flight (Tigris Sigma). Both configurations include electronics designed in a fashion to allow for rapid modifications or replacements of onboard sensors and modules specific to designated flight requirements. The design of this rocket is intended to be usable as educational material for those interested in getting involved in high-power rocketry, with the full development process published across Sader Aerospace media for those interested.
Design
Tigris is a rocket currently in development intended for use in both with 38 millimeter G through L class rocket motors. The base configuration (Tigris) is compatible with G through I class motors specifically, and the advanced configuration (Tigris Sigma) is compatible with J through L class motors and utilizes dual-deployment recovery. The base section of the rocket's structure can be flown alone with electronics stored in the nose cone at the top of the rocket, or can have an additional body tube on top of it with electronics stored in the middle body tube coupler, for control of dual deployment recovery.
Onboard the rocket are passively operating electronics observing flight conditions in real-time using the base architecture of the Eden flight computer system (and will not be actively stabilizing the rocket, only handling staging and ejection charges). The Eden flight computer will be logging high-fidelity data in local memory saved to a micro-SD card (sampling at approximately 300 times per second), and also transmit low-fidelity beacon data to a ground communications system at the launch site via 433.4-473.0 MHz radio capable of stable communication for a range of approximately 1-1.2 km. The onboard electronics are designed in a manner with easy modification capabilities in mind, where users can utilize whatever commercial components they choose for sensors, which all interface with a universal breakout board with a built-in female and male header rows for direct connection between sensors and a microcontroller either with direct analog/digital connection, or intermediate connection to expanded SPI/I2C communication bus lines and expansions for servo outputs, along with built-in micro-SD card slot, buzzer, power terminal block, and on/off switch. In the base configuration of the Eden flight computer, the microcontroller used is an ATMEGA 2560 Pro, which is then interfaced with an HC-12 radio communication module, GY-GPS6MV1 GPS module, BME680 sensor (for monitoring pressure, temperature, humidity, and VOC gas sensing), and FXOS8700+FXAS21002 9-DOF IMU sensor (for monitoring linear acceleration, angular velocity, and magnetic flux density, each in x, y, and z axes).
Tigris Rocket Live Build Streams
To document the progression of Tigris development, livestreams have been recorded on YouTube to also allow others to join and ask questions about the system. They are currently still being made (as the rocket system is still being made) but about two and a half years of rocket design and development are being condensed into an easier to understand, less frustrating form (to save others from the inevitable headaches that would come from trying to do everything from scratch for the first time).