How to upscale model rockets.

This page is being constructed. For now, I will give you the simple math needed to upscale your favorite rocket.

The first thing you need is the dimensions of the old kit. Next you need to know what size upscale you are going to make. Say you want to make a 4" diameter upscale of the old Estes Citation Patriot. To get your scale up factor, simply divide the diameter of your upscale airframe (4" in this case) by the diameter of the original kit (1.637" for the Patriot).

4 ÷ 1.637 = 2.44

So your rocket will be 2.44 times (or 244%) larger than the original Patriot. This is the number you will use for all your upscale dimensions.

For example, to determine the length of the airframe, multiply the original airframe length by you upscale factor. In this case the original Patriot body tube was 18" long.

18 x 2.44= 43.92

So, if you round up, your airframe needs to be about 44" long.

You can also scale up the fins in the same manner. Take the fin template and scan it into the computer at your scale up factor (in this case 244%). Or download the fin pattern from Jim Z's webpage, and using a image manipulation program, such as Photoshop, enlarge it 244%.

Depending on just how accurate you want the upscale to be, you can use your scale up factor to make sure the nosecone is the right length, fins are scale thickness, launch lug is scale size, etc.