Copyright © 1964-2024 Tripoli Pittsburgh, Tripoli Rocketry Association, Inc.

TRIPOLI Pittsburgh - Dragon's Fire Field
399 East Riverside Rd.
Adah PA
15410
Address:
TRIPOLI Pittsburgh's Dragon's Fire Field is located about an hour south of Pittsburgh in Fayette county.  The Rangehead is located at the top of the hill on more than 250 acres.
 
Ample parking space is provided.
 
Scroll down for a breakdown of TRIPOLI Pittsburgh equipment that is available at all launches.
All Tripoli Pittsburgh launches are considered Research Launches under International Tripoli Rules. 
 
At Research Launches, Research Motors may be flown only by Tripoli Members holding a level 2 certification or higher.
 
Commercial motors, being motors manufactured by a Commercial Entity and Certified by the Tripoli Rocketry Association, Inc., may be flown by persons holding a NAR membership and young rocketry enthusiasts of nearly any age.
 
All ground support equipment is supplied by Tripoli Pittsburgh so all you need to bring are your rockets, motors and personal supplies.
 
Almost all of our launches are attended by at least one distributor/vendor, as a much appreciated convenience, if you need to purchase last minute motors and kits.
2019
2020
In late 2019 and early 2020 clearing work was completed on the areas shown below with a loaned bull dozer and immense amounts of time by Joe Pscolka.
 
In mid 2020 a large John Deere tractor was loaned to TRIPOLI Pittsburgh and clearing/mowing was completed in a 5-10 acre area around the range head. Unfortunately we only had it for a single day.



2021
Early 2021 brings the acquistion of a DR Pro 44T, Pull-behind brush hog mower for field work.
 
The DR has a 16.5 HP engine, 44" cutting deck and can be pulled behind a variety of vehicles.
Later 2021 Luck shined again with generous donations from a number of members and the purchase of this Ford 1910 Tractor.
 
The Ford has a 32 HP Diesel engine with a 60" Belly mower deck and can easily pull the DR as well as other attachments currently under investigation.
GPS Coordinates:
 
39.93534, -79.92406
TRIPOLI Pittsburgh Equipment
Low Power Launch Pads
High Power Launch Pads
High Power Launch Tower
TRIPOLI Pittsburgh has a large variety of equipment at each launch for flying rockets of most any size or shape. Scroll down for more information.
TRIPOLI Pittsburgh has a pair of low power racks that hold 4 launch rods each.
 
Low power pads can be used for rockets up to F motor size.
 
Launch rods of a variety of sizes are available for rockets with launch lugs installed.
 
Rockets flown off of the low power pads do not require certification.
TRIPOLI Pittsburgh has 8 High Power launch pads with 1010 (1") aluminum rails 8' in length.
 
1010 rails use standard rail buttons installed on the rocket.
 
Use of the High Power Pads requires applicable High Power Certification.
 
 
TRIPOLI Pittsburgh also has a large launch tower capable of flying rockets that are too big for the high power pads.
 
Multiple rails are available including a 1515 (1.5") rail and a unistrut rail 20'. 14'
 
The tower can handle rockets up to 250 lbs and has been used for rockets over 12 feet in length.
All of the High Power pads tilt down for loading (and unloading if necessary).
Like the High Power pads, the tower tilts down for loading.
The High Power Launch Tower is only setup for use when requested.
 
To request the tower, contact Joe Pscolka
Additional Equipment
In addition to the Launch System and the Launch Pads, TRIPOLI Pittsburgh has a supply of additional equipment for rocket operations.
The heart of TRIPOLI Pittsburgh launches is the Wilson F/X Electronic Launch System. The Wilson F/X provides the ability to launch a large number of rockets in different locations from one remote spot (the RSO station).
Electronic Launch System
Ladders are available to reach switches and other parts of rockets once loaded onto the launch pads.
A number of fire extinguishers are available for emergency use.
Mid Power Launch Pad
TRIPOLI Pittsburgh has a smaller quad pod type of launch pad that can be setup for a number of different mid size rockets with different rods and rails available.