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→Duel Deploy
=Duel Deploy=
=Duel Deploy=
This needs to be filled in with info on how duel deploy works
[[File:DualDeploy.jpg]]
Sources of information: [https://www.apogeerockets.com/Intro_to_Dual_Deployment_in_Rocketry/ Apogee Rockets dual deploy page]
Dual Deployment, in general terms, means that two parachutes are ejected out of the rocket. The first parachute is a small one (often called a drogue chute), and is ejected at apogee. As the rocket descents, a secondary ejection charge is fired (typically between 500 and 700 feet) and a full size parachute is ejected, bringing the rocket down to a much lower descent rate that will not damage the rocket upon hitting the ground. The advantage is that the rocket falls fast for most of the descent and doesn't drift very far. It is also called "close-to-the-pad" or "close-proximity" recovery.
The Key to the system is the electronics, specifically, the altimeter (See: [[Altimeters]]) The Altimeter senses the altitude of the rocket and then sets off two different ejection charges at the appropriate times. As the rocket takes off, the altimeter is constantly calculating the altitude of the rocket. When it senses apogee, the altimeter sends a pulse of electricity to one of the igniters. This igniter sets off a small charge of black powder, which pressurizes one section of the rocket (usually the back end) and spits out the drogue chute.
While the drogue chute brings down the rocket quickly, the altimeter is still measuring the altitude of the rocket. When it descends to a pre-programmed height (which you control), it then triggers a second charge. This charge pushes out the main parachute (usually stored in the front part of the rocket). Since the rocket is now closer to the ground, the wind doesn't have the time to push it downrange too far. So it lands slowly, but much closer to the launch pad.