The Ukrainian rocket modeling team won six gold medals at the World Championship in the USA this summer. Despite the challenges of limited practice opportunities and changes to the technical requirements, the team managed to secure the second overall team position in the unofficial standings among 17 competing countries. The preparation for the championship was conducted under tight schedules, with athletes relying on previous experience and general calculations due to the lack of test flights. Liga.Net reports.
The athletes faced additional difficulties due to modifications required in their models' designs. Organizers updated the technical specifications six months before the championship, and the USA uses different types of engines than Europe. The Ukrainian team had to adapt their models to the new engine specifications while ensuring they remained lightweight.
For instance, in the S1A altitude flight model category, the rules mandated the use of single-stage models. As a result, the team had to completely overhaul their designs to accommodate different, more rigid, and larger engines.
Despite these challenges, the Ukrainian athletes excelled, with Sofia Fisun from Dnipro earning the first place in the S1A altitude flight model category and the first place in the women's division of the same category. The achievements highlight the team's determination, adaptability, and skill in the field of rocket modeling.
At the World Championship, Denis Mozok participated in multiple rocket modeling categories, including S3A (parachute duration), S4A (rocket glider), S6A (streamer duration), and S8D (radio-controlled rocket glider).
The most challenging category for Denis was S4A, in which he secured the first place. What made this achievement remarkable was that he employed a new approach: he independently designed a 3D model of the wing, personally machined it on a lathe, and assembled the model himself.
"I didn't even know how it would fly, but it turned out well. Perhaps we will now make all rocket gliders this way," Denis explains.
Ukrainian champions like Denis dream of popularizing their passion among more young people. They believe that greater participation would enhance the quality of competitions and provide a stronger incentive to strive for first place.
Rocket modeling is not widely promoted in Ukraine, and the champions hope that as more people get involved, the sport will gain greater recognition and inspire others to take up the challenge.
