If you tuned into the first ever episode of Mythbusters way back when, you’ll remember a certain rocket-powered Chevy Impala. [David Windestal] decided to recreate this – at 1:10 scale.
The car in question is a Hobbyking Desert Fox RC car – normally a four-wheel drive truck which ships ready-to-run, making it a great way to get a project started quickly. Rocket power is provided by the same type of motor used in the Swedish Rocket Knives we’ve covered previously.
Initial testing proves unsuccessful – the car simply tumbles out of control when the rocket is fired. It takes a beating, losing a wheel in the process. Following on from this, a decision is made to cook up a slower burning rocket motor and switch to an asphalt surface for testing. This is much more succesful and the car begins to see some properly high speeds, nearly peeling the tyres off the rim in the process!
It’s a fun concept that could likely be replicated with off-the-shelf rocket motors, too. Throw us your ideas for better rocket powered transports in the comments below.
[Thanks to Heinrich for the tip!]
I prefer this version of the story: https://www.wired.com/2000/08/rocketcar/
Yes! It’s a long read. Totally worth it. Excellent writing, and you get the story behind the myth.
That was claimed to have happened only a couple of years before I first heard the myth, but by then it has switched from desert to a swamp near a military base in NC. The story sure gets around.
That was epic. No other way to put it.
Gotta check yo Reynolds number, son. Get some Buckingham Pi up in here. Scaling 101.
Nice tribute. Man i miss that show now…
My recollection of the rocket car story comes from the autobiography of Andy Granatelli, “They Call Me Mr 500.” He describes his earlier days where they built a car for an attraction at short oval tracks. Their first test of the surplus JATO rockets was something of a dud. This was unfortunate because they decided to ignite multiple rockets on the vehicle at the same time for a more impressive effect. This made for a more entertaining part of the book…
*walks up on pile of RC car parts*
Well.. The car is fine!
Isn’t “at scale” used when you’re referring to 1:1 scaling?