Argo D-4 Javelin Data & Photos


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Flight 8.25
Over the past several years I have been working on detailed CAD drawings of the Argo D-4 Javelin using materials and photos supplied by Bob Biedron, Taras Tataryn, John Langford, and Dave Fitch, as well as information obtained from real hardware.  Scroll down for sample drawings and more information on the project.

NASA photo W-70-117

W-68-151
Javelin Flight 8.25

Drawing Project Overview

The Javelin has long been a popular scale subject for rocketeers, with award-winning models being entered in NAR competition by such names as Howard Kuhn and the Biedron-Langford Team, among others.  Although basic Javelin data is available in Peter Alway's Rockets of the World, detailed drawings are more difficult to find. Those that do exist tend to disagree in various ways (this is fairly typical when dealing with scale data).  Some of the most sought-after information comes from a set of drawings done by Jon Randolph in the 1970's as well as a similar set by Bob Biedron which he derived closely from Jon's work.  Various Aerolab and NASA drawings, as well as data obtained from real hardware provide other important data and a basis for comparison with the Randolph and Biedron data.  When completed, the final form of the drawings may appear in Sport Rocketry magazine and/or as a NARTS scale data packet.

Sample Drawings

In the meantime, here is a sample of my work that shows much of the surface detailing on the 1st stage (Honest John motor) and interstage adapter, with some details omitted for clarity (see photos below for missing details).  Click on the preview image below for a PDF file that will print at 1:22 scale.  You can also click the outline drawing to the right of this page for an undimensioned closer-look at some of the Javelin's surface detailing (PDF format).  The file was saved in a 36" x 60" sheet size that gives you a high-resolution view at 1:10 scale (I do not recommend wasting that much paper on an incomplete drawing, however).  Note that the drawing is not finished--some tweaking still needs to be done.

 


Javelin 1st Stage (Honest John) Detail Photos

The following images of the Javelin's 1st stage and adapter were taken by Josh at Air Power Park in Hampton, VA between 2003 & 2004.  Click on each preview for a larger image.

Honest John-Nike Adapter (Note: long horizontal bands are not part of the rocket)


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Page updated 3-1-2009