DIAMOND-X -- Fin Controlled Rocket -- Flight Test 1

DIAMOND-X is my most compact, advanced and successful actively controlled model rocket. This video shows how I got here, from early canard-control experiments to compact flight computers and aft fin control. DIAMOND-X's first flight was a huge success, showing good control in pitch yaw and roll.

In upcoming flights, a number of other guidance and control modes will be tested, including position control and waypoint-waypoint flights. This rocket will also fly from the ATLAS silo soon, stay tuned for more.

[BPSspace]

Fantastic project, and great video! Roll reversal is a real mess :)

[robertharper]

Man is out here putting Lockmart to shame!! This is seriously one of the coolest projects I've ever seen, remember to charge the Navy 100x the cost!

[fumpdump]

The youtube algorithm hasn't let me eat this good in a long time. we feastin

[nerdtronaut]

Amazing work! Up next: Nosecone integrated infrared seeker...

[LandNfan]

As a veteran of supporting the LGM-25C Titan-II system in the late 1960’s, I find your project fascinating, especially the launch silo. Amazing effort in all regards!

[FarmerFpv]

I was looking for ideas for rockets for my RC jet and YouTube directed me here. This is awesome. Thank you, YouTube. You finally didn't disappoint me for once.

[OtterSwims]

Its very interesting to see this video after recently getting into the rocketry part of youtube. I belivee youre the first person ive seen to rely so heavily on simulation to refine your rocket designs!

[classsailor]

This is some really awesome work. The MK 41 style launcher is top notch, and I appreciate the nod to the Navy. Will certainly be watching for more updates!

[geologist_luna]

Out of curiosity, do you have an MS, or a Ph.D? If not, you may want to consider writing all of this up as a paper and consider submitting it to be published. Great work and I'm glad to see someone working on something I've only ever considered working on, but am simply too busy to do myself at the moment. Amazing work. I do have so many more questions, but this is neither the place nor the forum for it, Good luck!

[PPSRHD]

This is mad good skill right here. That silo was amazing

[Wannes_]

If you lengthen the strakes to the fwd end of the payload bay, you've replicated the Standard missile which has been virtually unchanged aerodynamically since the 1960s - indicating a very successful design.
Like with Sidewinder, you've gone from front canard control, to rear control (on AIM-9X with TV )

Have a look where the aargm-er missile is going: (2, blended) strakes along the body, but @ 45° angles from the rear control surfaces ... otherwise, looking a lot like ... Standard

[programmerx]

U put a lot of people including me and a lot of youtubers to shame.
Damn this project and ur work is interesting.
best regards and I hope ur projects is used for good goals

[rszgeyb]

A thought I had long ago was a camera looking back at the launch pad and feeding corrections (like a mouse in a way) to a gimbaled motor
(or even simpler and lighter control using 3 fins and a linear solenoid (coil) controlling the trailing edge of the fins).

[earld]

Commenting to feed the YT algorithm. Awesome seeing a launch view without it constantly rolling.

[mlentsch]

I've been dreaming of doing something like this for years. Kudos and thanks for sharing.

[Prateekq.]

I am a simple man
I see guided rocket, i subscribe

[tirushone]

bro is out here doing learning litteral rocket science in his free time, respect

[rexmundi]

I actually work with teams of professional engineers in the space industry. I’ve worked at a major space launch company you’ve definitely heard of. And you are putting those teams to shame. I’m a pretty old machinist so I’ve seen the rate of technological change going all the way back to the 1980’s when I first worked on avionics "computers" the size of double door refrigerators. The hinges on the cabinet were the size of your whole control system. I feel like you young guys who grew up with arduinos and 3d printers have really started taking things to the next level. Like 20 years ago these projects would have only been possible by a huge team with millions of dollars to spend. Once AI agents become a thing I think we’ll see the next doubling of capabilities. You should be proud

[The_Makers_Prerogative]

Thank you for taking the time to make this great video. I enjoy seeing the progress you make and how much effort you put in to get it working the way you want, well done!

[georgekerwood]

A great watch, thanks for your time and effort putting this together.