Giant Leap Rocketry Talon 4 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Talon 4
GIANT LEAP ROCKETRY, LLC
Copyright 2006 - 2017 Giant Leap Rocketry, LLC
2831 SW Cornelius Pass Road
Hillsboro, Oregon 97123
!

1
THE TALON 4 IS A FANTASTIC - LARGE ROCKET BUILD!!!
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE FIRESTORM CAN (DEPENDING ON THE MOTER CHOSEN) GO OVER 8,000
FEET; THEREFORE A TRACKING SYSTEM IS RECOMMENDED FOR A SUCCESSFUL RECOVERY.
At Giant Leap Rocketry, LLC hope you enjoy this rocket. The TALON 4 is carefully engineered to make this rocket
high performance on the one hand, yet efficient to build on the other. We recommend that you take your time, learn
and enjoy. The TALON 4 series is another in a long line of high quality kits from Giant Leap Rocketry, LLC.
The TALON 4 is the first of our nearly complete kits. At this level of rocket building and design most
rocketeers like some choice in the recovery components of the rocket. The TALON 4 comes with every-
thing you need to build the rocket. All you need to provide is the parachute. In the parts list you will
find recommended parachutes Should you need assistance do not hesitate to reach out to our fantastic
GLR team.
!
TALON 4
We provide more details to help with your rocketry education

The TALON 4 comes with a 54mm motor
mount so that it can be flown on powerful J and
K motors. These will propel the TALON 4 to
extremely high altitudes. With the optional
SLIMLINE 54/38mm adapter, you can fly this
rocket to more moderate altitudes on lower im-
pulse H and I motors. Be certain your center of
gravity (CG) is at least 8” or more forward of
the center of pressure (CP), with 9” or more be-
ing ideal. All measurements need to be done
with a “full-up” rocket (with a loaded motor, re-
covery components and any electronics). Re-
member, during launch, the recovery hardware
may shift aft, thus shifting the CG to an unsta-
ble condition. Be sure to check your rocket care-
fully before flying.
This is critically important or the
rocket will not be stable in flight.
For example, if your rocket is 1.5” in diameter,
then the CG should be at least 3” forward of the
center of pressure. We provide you with the CP
distance from the tip of the nosecone. As long
the design remains the same as provided by
GLR, the CP won’t change; but, if you modify
the length of the rocket you will need to deter-
mine the CP again for yourself. The CG de-
pends on the weight distribution, which can
change depending on your motor choice or
other items that change the weight of the
rocket. You can find the distance of the CG by
balancing the rocket on your finger. If the CG
is too far back, add nose weight. All measure-
ments must be done with a “launch ready”
rocket. This means your rocket is loaded with a
motor, recovery components and any electron-
ics or other accessories you plan to use during
flight. Remember, during launch, the recovery
hardware may shift aft, thus shifting the CG to
an unstable condition. Be sure to allow for this
before flying by loading your recovery compo-
nents aft in order to properly check CG.
Note: Heavier motors shift the CG aft, requir-
ing you to add nose weight. Be sure to check
the CG location prior to launch!!
2
TALON 4 is a no compromise duel deploy
rocket. This rocket is for the more experienced
flyer. You have chosen the best and most beau-
tiful 98mm rocket on the flight line!!!

Specifications:
Dry Wt. Mass (no motor load) 198 oz. (Please
allow for slight variation in weight due to differ-
ence in epoxies and paint thickness).
Length: 92”
Outside Diameter O.D. 4.02”
Inside Diameter I.D. 3.9 ”
CP= 65” aft from nosecone tip
CG should be less than 57” aft of nosecone tip
Motor Mount: 54mm (29&38 mm with optional
54/38 mm adapter)
Recommended 38mm motors: Requires the
optional SLIMLINE 54/38mm adapter
Aerotech: H123, H148, H242, I161, I357,
I300, I211, I285, I284, 1366, I435, J420, J350,
J570
Pro38: H153 I205, I285, J285, J330
Recommended 54mm motors:
J90, J180, J275, J315, J415, J135, J800, J540,
J800, K1100, K695, K550, K695, K700
Pro54: J295, K445, K570, K660
WARNING!!
Flying rockets is potentially dangerous, and
you or others can be injured and/or killed by
the usage of this product. Property damage can
also occur by the usage of this product. In us-
ing this product, you agree to comply strictly
with all safety codes of the Tripoli Rocketry As-
sociation and the National Association of Rock-
etry, as well as all local, State and Federal laws.
By using the product, you agree that Giant
Leap Rocketry, LLC, (also in this document
noted as GLR) it’s owners or employees will
not be held legally or financially responsible
for the correct or incorrect usage of this prod-
uct. If you do not agree with these statements,
return the kit in resalable condition to Giant
Leap Rocketry for a refund. By using this kit,
you agree that you have read, understand and
accept these conditions.
PLEASE READ THE SAFETY CODE AND
LIABILITY STATEMENTS AT THE END
OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
NOTE: THIS ROCKET IS NOT A TOY
BECAUSE OF THE ROCKETS SIZE AND
WEIGHT IT IS A SERIOUS VIOLATION
OF FEDERAL LAW TO FLY THIS
ROCKET ANYWHERE EXCEPT AT
LAUNCHES SANCTIONED BY THE TRIP-
OLI ROCKETRY ASSOCIATION OR THE
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ROCK-
ETRY WHOSE ORGANIZERS HAVE SE-
CURED AN APPROPRIATE WAIVER
FROM THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMIN-
ISTRATION. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN
RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL FINES AND/
OR IMPRISONMENT. DO NOT EVEN
THINK OF FLYING THIS ROCKET ANY-
W H E R E E X C E P T AT C E RT I F I E D
LAUNCHES.
3

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR ARE
UNCLEAR REGARDING THE ASSEM-
BLY OR USE OF THIS PRODUCT,
PLEASE CALL GIANT LEAP ROCK-
ETRY, LLC. YOU ARE TOTALLY RE-
SPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFE USAGE OF
THIS ROCKET. FOLLOW ALL PERTI-
NENT SAFETY CODES AND DIREC-
TIONS AT THE LAUNCH SITE. ALWAYS
WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHENEVER
LOADING EJECTION CHARGES OF
ANY TYPE AND KEEP SPECTATORS
AWAY. MAKE A CHECK LIST TO HELP
YOU PREPARE YOUR ROCKET PROP-
ERLY SO AS NOT TO OVERLOOK AN IM-
PORTANT STEP DURING THE EXCITE-
MENT AND STRESS OF PRE-FLIGHT
PREPARATION. IF YOU DO NOT FEEL
READY TO FLY THIS OR ANY OTHER
ROCKET DON’T. Take your time and do it
safely and correctly. REMEMBER, THE
FUTURE OF THIS HOBBY ALONG WITH
THE SAFETY OF THOSE AROUND YOU
IS IN YOUR HANDS.
PARTS LIST:
TALON 4 BODY PARTS
1- 98mm Nose Cone
1- 98mm Tailcone -Slotted
1- 98mm 36” Fiberglass Airframe Slotted
-Tagged to Match the Talecone
1- 98mm 24” Fiberglass Airframe
1- 54mm 36” Phenolic Motor Mount Tube
1- 98mm/54mm Centering Rings
3- Small 0.093” Fiberglass Pre-cut Fins
3- Large 0.093” Fiberglass Pre-cut Fins
1- 54mm GLR Slimline Retainer Set
1- 98mm R Rail Guide Pair
6 - 4” Frackets
6 - 8” Frackets
AV-Bay Parts:
1- 98mm 8” Fiberglass Coupler
2- 98mm Bulkhead (Pre-Drilled)
2-98mm Coupler Bulkhead (Pre-Drilled)
1- 6.75” X 3.25” Fiberglass Sled
2- 4” X ¼” Plastic Tubes
2- 1 X ¼” Eye Bolt
4

2- 10” All-Thread
2- ¼” Lock Nut
6- ¼” Nut
2- ¼” Wing Nut
10- Washers
Recovery Mount:
2- 98mm/54mm Centering Ring
(Pre-Drilled)
1- ¼” Eye Bolt
2- Washers
1- Lock Nut
Recover Components:
4- ⅛” Quick Link
2- 1,000 lb Swivels
2- 15’ ¼” GLR Kevlar Double Loop Shockcord
2- 2” x ½” GLR Kevlar Tube Cord
2- Medium Sized GLR Kevlar Parachute Protec-
tor
1- 24” Wooden Dowel
Online Assembly Instruction Booklet
Optional Parts to Consider:
72” GLR TAC1 Parachute
24” GLR TAC1 Parachute
4-way Reduced Momentum Parachute Slider as
seen in photograph. Free with the Purchase of a
72” GLR TAC1 Parachute
98mm GLR Slimline Threaded Retainer
Retainer Adapter 54mm/38mm
1- 12” Motor Mount Tube
1- 1” Spacer
Retainer Adapter 38mm/29mm
1- 12” Motor Mount Tube
5

1- 1” Spacer
Disposable Supplies
Needed by the Builder
to Assemble This Kit:
30 Minute Epoxy or GLR Aeropoxy!
!(Can Be Ordered Separately From GLR)
Mixing Cups and Mixing Sticks!
!(Can Be Ordered Separately From GLR)
J.B. Weld
!(Can Be Ordered Separately From GLR)
Glass-Mirco-Spheres
Masking Tape
Tape Measure
Sharp Pencil
#250 Sandpaper
Paper Towels
Gloves ! ! !
!(Can Be Ordered Separately From GLR)
Rubbing Alcohol
Drill with a 1/8” and 1/32” drill bit
NOTE: you MUST use high-quality epoxy and
JB Weld with this kit. Other types of adhesives
are not suitable and will make the rocket unsafe
for flight.
ASSEMBLY
A. Building the Motor tube Assembly
Note: “forward” means the front of the rocket,
towardthe nosecone, and “aft” is the rear of the
rocket.
1. Test fit the GLR Slimline Motor Retainer
on the Aft end of the 54mm motor tube. Be
sure that the GLR Slimline Motor Retainer
goes onto the motor tube and seats completely.
If the GLR Slimline Motor Retainer is seated
completely, you will not have any of the epoxy
bonding rings of the GLR Slimline Motor Re-
tainer exposed and the motor tube will rest on
the the built-in shoulder stop of the GLR Slim-
line Motor Retainer. Sand the motor tube
slightly, if necessary, but just enough for a
snug-tight fit. If you have a 54mm casing (Ae-
rotech or Pro54), test fit it by placing the casing
in the motor tube and inserting the retaining
ring. Be sure the spacing of all components is
correct before proceeding to the next step that
involves epoxy.
2 Place the GLR Slimline Motor Retainer
on the motor tube and draw with a pencil, a line
6

at the forward end of the GLR Slimline Motor
Retainer and then remove the retainer from the
motor tube.
3. Mix some J.B.Weld (and only J.B Weld -
do not use ep-
oxy!) and apply
it to the aft end
of the motor
tube, to the pen-
cil mark of the
m o t o r t u b e .
Then, install the
GLR Slimline Motor Retainer onto the motor
tube. Turn the GLR Slimline Motor Retainer
while you are installing it in order to spread the
J.B. Weld. Be sure that you only apply the
J.B. Weld to the motor tube and NOT to the
inside of the GLR Slimline Motor Retainer.
This is important because if you apply J.B.
Weld to the GLR Slimline Motor Retainer and
then try and slip it onto the motor tube, excess
J.B. Weld will seep into the snap ring area of
the GLR Slimline Motor Retainer, making it im-
possible to insert a motor correctly. It is also a
g o o d i d e a t o
place the snap
ring into the slot
and tape off the
exposed slot of
the GLR Slim-
line Motor Re-
tainer while seat-
ing the GLR Slimline Motor Retainer onto the
motor tube as this will prevent excess J.B. Weld
from seeping into the snap ring area. MAKE
SURE THE GLR SLIMLINE MOTOR RE-
TAINER IS SEATED ALL THE WAY ONTO
THE MOTOR TUBE. Remove the snap ring,
clean up any excess epoxy and let it set up com-
pletely.
4. There are two centering rings that make
up the Forward Centering Ring assembly. Both
will have a
hole drilled in
them for the
eye-bolt assem-
bly, which will
secure part of
your recovery
system. Mix a
p o r t i o n o f
GLR Aeropoxy and place on the the surface of
both of the
Forward Cen-
tering rings.
Place the eye-
bolt assembly
and tighten
the nut com-
pletely. There
is a washer on both sides of the centering ring.
(It is advisable to use gloves when using epox-
ies). Place a clamp opposite of the ring to in-
sure that the rings are perfectly together and
7

symmetrical. This is critical or the rings will
not enter the airframe correctly, nor will they go
onto the motor tube correctly. Let the GLR
Aeropoxy set up completely.
Now you will place the Forward Centering
Ring onto the motor tube. Measure from the
forward end of the motor tube 2” and place a
mark. Using a piece of paper wrapped around
the motor tube, centered on the mark that you
made at 2”, draw a line around the motor tube.
Place multiple layers of masking tape on the
line that was drawn. This will act as a stop
when you seat your Forward Centering Ring.
Place a generous amount of JB Weld around the
motor tube the thickness of the Forward Center-
ing Ring . Do not use epoxy for this union.
This centering ring will take a tremendous
amount of force
when the recovery
system deploys and
JB Weld is signifi-
cantly stronger.
Slide the Forward
Ce nt er in g Ri ng
ont o the mot or
tube, twisting as
you seat it. You
will notice that the
eye-bolt is close to
the forward end of
the tube and that is correct. Make sure that the
Forward Centering Ring is level and parallel to
the forward opening of the motor tube. Allow
the JB weld to cure completely.
5. Now that the Forward Centering Ring is
fully cured it is time to place the Middle Center-
ing Ring. This Centering Ring is placed ex-
actly like the Forward Centering Ring except
you will place the Middle Centering Ring 15”
8

from the Aft opening of the Airframe or the
GLR Slimline Retainer previously welded to
the motor tube. Make sure that the Middle
Centering Ring is level and parallel to the open-
ing of the motor tube. Allow the JB weld to
cure completely.
6. It is now very important to place a thick fil-
let on the Forward and Aft ends of both of the
Centering Rings to secure the Centering Rings
to the Airframe. Fillets can be created using a
variety of materials, Giant Leap Rocketry, LLC
recommends using GLR Aeropoxy and GLR
Glass-Micro-Spheres. Mix a generous amount
of Aeropoxy. Add to this mixture GLR Glass-
Micro-Spheres until you obtain a thick peanut
buttery consistency. The ratio is typically 2
parts GLR Glass-Micro-Spheres to 1 part GLR
Aeropoxy. More important that the ratio how-
ever, is the thick peanut buttery consistency.
Create a large fillet between the motor tube and
the Centering Rings by placing a liberal amount
of material on both the Forward and Aft sur-
faces of the Centering Rings and allow them to
completely set up.
B. Securing the Motor Tube to the Airframe
and Talecone
Warning: Once everything is set up and cured
your motor tube is ready to be inserted and
glued to the airframe and tailcone. This is the
most difficult step in the entire build and it is
important that you take great care in following
the directions exactly.
1. Line up the airframe and the tailcone. Each
airframe and tailcone are paired and cut to-
gether. You will notice as you put the tailcone
and airframe together there is a number or letter
9