The International Water Rocket Challenge: 2 L

Please join me for a friendly competition that pits ingenuity and skill against the laws of physics and bad luck. Be "king of the world" (for a day, at least). The objectives of this competition are: 1) to encourage experimentation and innovation 2) to push the limits of altitude, while at the same time allowing relatively low-tech participation (i.e. no altimeter or deployment necessary). If you have ANY questions about the competition or its rules, please, just ask: jmehlferber@gmail.com

PRIZE: Certificate of Achievement (customized printable PDF file), and a plastic parachute made by Lonnie Engbrecht

TWO CLASSES: STOCK AND OPEN

OFFICIAL RULES: STOCK CLASS

1. The pressure vessel must be constructed ONLY from a single unmodified 2 liter (nominal) PETE bottle--there can be no add-ons or splices that change the volume of the pressure vessel.
2. Any material may be used as reaction mass; or none at all, if you prefer.
3. Compressed gas of any type may be used to pressurize the rocket.
4. The rocket MAY NOT DEPLOY a parachute, parafoil, wings, or any other means or extensions from the body of the rocket that slow its descent. Side-gliding, back sliding, and the like are permitted.
5. The flight MUST begin and end on substantially level ground (less than one meter of variation)--for example, you cannot launch your rocket from the top of a hill or any platform other than the launcher itself and have it land in a ravine.
6. The "winner" is the rocket that has the longest flight duration in whole seconds (round up for .5 seconds or more, round down for less than .5 seconds) from launch to touchdown. The flight duration will be established by averaging the flight time determined for a single (i.e. one and the same) launch by two separate observers using two separate timing devices (stop watches, etc.).

OFFICIAL RULES: OPEN CLASS

1. The pressure vessel(s) can be constructed from any materials (spliced PET, FTC, etc.; multi-stage rockets are allowed) but MUST NOT EXCEED 2 liters in TOTAL volume (determined by filling with water and measuring its volume).
2. Any material may be used as reaction mass; or none at all, if you prefer.
3. Compressed gas of any type may be used to pressurize the rocket.
4. The rocket MAY NOT DEPLOY a parachute, parafoil, wings, or any other means or extensions from the body of the rocket that slow its descent. Side-gliding, back sliding, and the like are permitted.
5. The flight MUST begin and end on substantially level ground (less than one meter of variation)--for example, you cannot launch your rocket from the top of a hill or any platform other than the launcher itself and have it land in a ravine.
6. The "winner" is the rocket that has the longest flight duration in whole seconds (round up for .5 seconds or more, round down for less than .5 seconds) from launch to touchdown. The flight duration will be established by averaging the flight time determined for a single (i.e. one and the same) launch by two separate observers using two separate timing devices (stop watches, etc.).

NEW ENTRY DEADLINE: DECEMBER 31, 2006. The following must be submitted via e-mail by 12:00 midnight (US EST) on or before that date:

1. Drawings or (preferably) digital photographs of the rocket and its launcher, including relevant detail images of both.
2. Specifications of the rocket and launch parameters, including: rocket length, diameter, and weight; volume of water used, nozzle diameter, length and diameter of launch tube (if used) and approximate launch pressure (actual, if known).
3. Longest recorded flight duration (two) for a single (i.e. one and the same) launch by two separate observers using two separate timing devices (stop watches, etc.).

E-MAIL ENTRIES TO: jmehlferber@gmail.com

The winner (or winners in case of a tie) will be notified via e-mail as soon as possible after DECEMBER 31, 2006.

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THIS COMPETITION. The International Water Rocket Challenge (the "Competition") is sponsored by Jon Mehlferber, Bristol, Virginia, USA ("Sponsor").

BY ENTERING AND PARTICIPATING IN THIS COMPETITON, ENTRANT (1) FULLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES TO ACCEPT AND BE BOUND BY THE OFFICIAL RULES AND BY ALL DECISIONS OF SPONSOR, WHICH DECISIONS, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION DECISIONS REGARDING ELIGIBILITY, WINNERS AND THE INTERPRETATION OF THE TERMS USED IN THESE OFFICIAL RULES, SHALL BE FINAL AND BINDING IN ALL RESPECTS; AND (2) REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED BY ENTRANT IN CONNECTION WITH THE COMPETITION IS TRUE, ACCURATE AND COMPLETE AS OF THE DATE OF ENTRY.

RELEASE AND INDEMNIFICATION: BY ENTERING THE COMPETITION, ENTRANT (OR IF ENTRANT IS A MINOR, ENTRANT'S PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN) RELEASES AND HOLDS THE COMPETITION SPONSOR HARMLESS FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL LOSSES, DAMAGES, RIGHTS, CLAIMS, AND ACTIONS OF ANY KIND ARISING IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, FROM THE COMPETITION OR PARTICIPATION IN ANY COMPETITION-RELATED ACTIVITY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, AS WELL AS CLAIMS BASED ON PUBLICITY RIGHTS, DEFAMATION AND/OR INVASION OF PRIVACY.