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Commentary:
OK - so you're wondering what we are doing here at a high school science
fair. Well, it wasn't to sell rocket belts - or even convince the Army
that we needed the $200,000 Phase II funding. Again, as in Boston and
Windsor, Ontario - it appeared politics pulled some influence. In this
instance, the predominant rumor was Sen. George Smathers. It should be
noted that this was the first time the 'Model 2' belt ['value
engineered' for weight reduction] was used in a public demonstration.
When Charles Robins mentioned in his article "... lifting his feet
up to be sure he cleared it [a truck] ... ", it was because the
belt just wouldn't respond as the original did. A lower maximum thrust
throttle was thought to be the cause - or I had 2nd helpings at lunch.
It seemed forever, waiting for the fuel burn [2#/second] to reduce the
total weight such that vertical acceleration was possible. It was also
the first flight without the protective "fireman's" pants and
coat, but a slick - non-fireproof - yellow uniform. |
Tampa Tribune Friday 3/16/62
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