Rocket RailButton

Rocket RailButton
Menu location
Rocket → Launch Guides → Rail Button
Workbenches
Rocket Workbench
Default shortcut
None
Introduced in version
0.19
See also
None

Description

A rail button is a small button attached to the side of the rocket that allows the rocket to be guided using a rail until it is fast enough to be aerodynamically stable.

Usage

1. There are several ways to invoke the command:
   • Press the Rail Button button.
   • Select the Rocket → Launch Guides→ Rail Button option from the menu.
   • Double click on a Rail Button object in the Tree view.
2. Set options and press OK.

Options

Rail Button Shapes

Rail buttons have two general shapes:

• Round.

Round Rail Button

The round shape is the most common and is the simplest to manufacture in bulk. As the name implies, the button is round, with a groove that allows it to fit onto the launch rail. It may be glued to the main body, but is more typically fastened with a screw.

• Airfoil.

Airfoiled Rail Button

The airfoil shape improved on the basic round button by giving it a more streamlined shape. Similar to the round button, it has a groove that allows it to fit on the launch rail. Adding a fillet on the top edges has been shown to further improve aerodynamic performance.

Properties

Rail Button

• DataBase Thickness:
• DataCountersink Angle:
• DataFastener:
• DataFillet Radius:
• DataFilleted Top:
• DataHead Diameter:
• DataInner Diameter:
• DataLength:
• DataOuter Diameter:
• DataRail Button Type:
• DataShank Diameter:
• DataThickness:
• DataTop Thickness:

Rocket Component

These parameters are provided for information and have no effect on the design of the component.

• DataDescription: Description of the component
• DataManufacturer: Manufacturer when known
• DataMaterial: Material when known
• DataPart Number: Manufacturer part number