Typical S5C Competition Models
S5C models must be representative of an actual flying rocket. Where most FAI models are similar in design and weight, Scale and Scale Altitude models are as varied as there are modelers. Typical S5 models are based upon US Sounding Rockets, with a large diameter booster and a small diameter second stage. European prototypes that have been entered have largely consisted of Dragoons and Arianes, neither of which is a particularly competitive prototype. Models may be flown as single or multiple stages. Most common prototypes are the US Taurus-Tomahawk and Nike-Apache or Nike-Cajun. Prototypes such as these have high altitude potential and adequate resources for scale documentation. Additional US prototypes have included the Sergeant-Hydac and Bumper-WAC. The Bumper-WAC is probably the most competitive scale altitude prototype, having the greatest altitude potential within the confines of the present rules, but it is also one of the most difficult to adequately model and detail for the static, craftsmanship portion of competition. Most models are two stage, this means having adequate and operable recovery systems for both stages to avoid a DQ, a 1/4 mil "cleaner bag" parachute typically on the booster, a high visibility metalized mylar type streamer on the sustainer.