Copyright © 1964-2025 Tripoli Pittsburgh, Tripoli Rocketry Association, Inc.
TRIPOLI Pittsburgh
Launch Report
June 7, 2026
Page 7
"It tore off the fins!"
"Your cameras are gone!"
"Scratch that one."
"There's a sale at Pennies!"
Were all heard around the pits as the Alpha One jumped off of the pad on an H-550 Super Thunder motor. (at right)
And the big question was..... did it hold up?
The Alpha One is an instatiated version of a design concept that TR has been working on for the last few years.
Based on a LOC 4" diameter standard tube, the Alpha is all 3D printed, except for the tube.
Anyone who has followed TR's rocket program for the last decade knows that 3D design and prining are a large part and the Alpha One is the most complex and ambitious design yet.
But in order to allow others to print and fly the Alpha One, it requires sufficient testing to determine its ability to withstand the aerodynamic forces and the general beating of flying.
The nose of the Alpha One is designed and printed in 4 sections. 3 for the cone itself and 1 for the shoulder that fits inside the LOC airframe tube.
Each section has integrated threaded portions that screw together by hand.
Changing the design for a later version allows for the installation of a GPS tracker and better data collection electronics. Simply unscrew the tip and replace with the new design.
Flyers: 11
Flights: 34
Page 7
TR Garman - Alpha One
The 4 cameras are mounted on a 3D printed ring on the outside of the airframe tube.
Even the rail buttons were 3D printed with a slight standoff to allow clearance of the camera ring.
The tail is the most complex part.
The thin black ring at the top is epoxied into the LOC airframe tube. The ring has threads that match the boat tail/fin can for attachment.
Each fin fits into a slot that slides into the fin can and is locked into place with an internal cinch ring.
The black ring at the bottom (partially obscured by the blue tape holding the igniter) is the motor retainer, also 3D printed.
All parts can be unscrewed by hand and easily replaced in the field.
The Alpha One is only a couple of hundred feet up when the super high thrust H-550 motor finishes its burn.
Note the red, 3D printed rail buttons on the left side of the airframe tube.
According to the onboard electronics, at about this point in the flight the Alpha One is being subjected to over 37 g's from the H-550 motor.
Without sufficient simulation capabilites it is unknown if the 3D printed parts can withstand the aerodynamic forces.
As the Alpha One approaches apogee the launch site is just barely visible down there.
How much can it withstand?
Despite landing short of the trees, a drone flight was still necessary to easily locate the Alpha One.
The Alpha One first flew at the November 2025 TRIPOLI Pittsburgh launch on an H-123 motor (at left).
The intent is to push the Alpha with higher thrust motors to determine the failure point of the 3D printed parts.
At the June launch the Alpha One was subjected to the most extreme conditions yet reaching just over 430 mph and more than 37 g's. Additional testing will be conducted at future launches with more and more powerful motors. So make sure you come out to see the progress!
Oh, all of the cameras and fins were still on when the Alpha One was brought back to the pits.
Special thanks to Dan Heinlen for this great postcard shot!
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