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TRIPOLI Pittsburgh

Launch Report

September 7, 2025

Page 11

Well known to TRIPOLI Pittsburgh members and followers of the Launch Report is Jerry Andre. Jerry not only flies some of the more interesting rocket designs, he also adds some interesting flight characteristics to his birds. And his Orange Ade is no exception.

In addition to having a camera onboard to get some great shots of the flight, the Orange Ade flies on an ititial I motor with a pair of G motor air starts.

Jerry Andre - Orange Ade

In order to get an air start to work, a rocket not only needs specialized electronics but also meticulous preparation.

Jerry demonstrates both.

Jerry Andre watches (through his camera) as his Orange Ade lifts off on an I-218 red propellant motor. The image inset and above shows the onboard shot with the red flame.

As the initial I motor finishes its burn the pits and the field come into view.

Few things are as exciting as a successful air start. Two seconds can feel like two weeks waiting for the ignition of the additional motors.

Jerry's fired right on time.

The G motor pairs burn out as the Orange Ade coasts to apogee.

The onboard shot below shows the puff of smoke from the apogee ejection charge.

While the flight went as planned, the recovery didn't. The Orange Ade drifted into the trees to the west of the field, down the hill and towards the river.

Some borrowed tools and help from Jerry's son Casey were going to be needed to retrieve the Orange Ade and return for another day.

Casey looks a bit bedraggled after an hour of work to rescue dad's rocket.

The effort was worthwhile as the Orange Ade was recovered undamaged and will fly again.

Thanks to Jerry for the exciting flight and the great pictures!

Camera