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In this video, I test whether my modified V-2 rocket is stable enough to fly safely. I built an Estes V-2 semiscale model rocket kit, but I trimmed the fins to make it closer to actual scale. Cutting the fin area changes the center of pressure, which could make the rocket unstable in flight. To compensate, I added clay weight to the nose cone to move the center of gravity forward.
But how do I know if it's actually stable now? I use a classic technique called the swing test — a simple, reliable method that model rocketeers have used for decades to verify rocket stability before launch. All you need is some string and a little open space. This test is perfect for beginners who want to check their rockets without complicated calculations.

Whether you're just getting into model rocketry or you've modified a kit like I did, the swing test is an essential skill to have in your toolbox. Watch to see if my V-2 passes the test!

The footage of Scout, the actively stabilized rocket, is from my friend Joe Barnard at @BPSspace

Affiliate links!

đź“š Learn more about model rocketry:

The Handbook of Model Rocketry: https://amzn.to/35XRbCY

Make: Rockets: Down-to-Earth Rocket Science: https://amzn.to/3JkOB7z

(If you buy something through these links, I’ll get a small commission—at no extra cost to you!)

đź’ˇ For more info on safe and fun rocketry, visit the National Association of Rocketry: https://www.nar.org/

You can get OpenRocket design and simulation software for FREE at this website: https://openrocket.info/

👍 Don’t forget to like and subscribe to The Rocket N00b for more tutorials, experiments, and flight tests on building and flying model rockets and high-power rockets!

Keywords: model rocketry, swing test, rocket stability, center of gravity, center of pressure, V-2 rocket, Estes Rockets, how to build model rockets, beginner rocketry, safe rocket design, flight stability test, The Rocket N00b, high power rocketry, center of gravity, center of pressure, rocket modifications, beginner rocketry, rocket testing, semiscale rockets, model rocket tutorial, rocket launch preparation