I agree with your comments. It can not really help with inovation using
a stock plane. Apparently a new model is in development for use after
the Long-Ez , but I feel it would be best to have an open competition
to stimulate research and development of new ideas, engines etc.
Maybe it is there plan after the concept of the competion has been
proven to create an Unlimited Rocket class.
wrote:
Was reading this latest announcement:

http://www.rocketracingleague.com


So when they say "rocket racing," I'm assuming that they mean a vehicle
with onboard oxidizer and fuel propellant, as opposed to air-breathing
jet aircraft.
I guess that stipulation would be useful, as far as focusing impetus on
propulsion systems useful for spaceflight.

But they seem to be pitching the Long-EZ as the stock model for this
competition. Isn't that a bit confining in regards to harnessing
competition to stimulate useful design innovations? I realize that
there aren't a whole lot of designs on hand to choose from when
starting a brand new competition like this, but will they allow people
to branch out from this design, or will the specifications be very
tight?

Other than providing a festive sporting event, is the goal of this
competition to stimulate newer and better types of rocket aircraft, or
rather purely to hone the skills of competing pilots using a single
common rocket platform?

Even in NASCAR, IndyCar, FormulaOne, they allow for a certain amount of
customization of the vehicle, so that the competing drivers can obtain
an edge on the vehicle side, rather than relying purely on driving
skills alone.

Also, I notice that the rocket-powered LongEZ has that alcohol fueltank
slung low on the underside of the craft. I assume that's for safety in
keeping the tank away from the fuselage, but isn't that thing hung too
low near the ground? If you were to have a hard landing at the end of
the race, causing the landing gear to buckle, wouldn't that tank
possibly end up scraping the ground, possibly even igniting the fuel?

I dunno, just my opinion, but either they need to lengthen that landing
gear, or else bring the tank a little closer to the fuselage.

Comments?