KNIGHT MFG

TARC Team Launch Pads

We offer two models of launch pads that are perfect for TARC team use.  Our FLP-36 folding model and our new TLP-42 tripod model.  Both of these launch pads are sized to handle the rockets you'll be launching as part of the Team America Rocketry Challenge program.  And should a rocketry club be born out of the TARC Team and you want to launch some larger than "TARC" sized rockets, these pads will handle that too.

FLP-36 Model Folding Launch Pad.

Our FLP-36 model is sized perfectly to properly support and launch TARC sized rockets. Made from 1" square steel tubing, the frame has our standard welded angled ends with plastic tubing plugs to keep dirt out.  It has a 
36" X 33.25" footprint which provides a stable base from which to launch mid sized rockets. The folding frame arms pivot on a 3/8 pivot bolt and tighten with an aluminum star knob underneath the frame. Folds to a compact size for ease of portability and opens up quickly for fast set up. The rod / rail holder accepts 1/4" launch rods as well as 1010 series rails.  Holds up to a six foot long rail.  The rail holder pivots on a 1/2" hex head pivot bolt which is tightened with our new T-Handle bolt so you can lock the launch angle in place securely.  It comes with a 7" X 9" angled blast deflector made from 14 gauge steel painted high temp silver. This is our most versatile launch pad for small to mid sized rockets as the rod holder holds 1/8", 3/16", and 1/4" rods equally well and will also hold the 8020 1010 series rail, so you can launch anything from a small Estes rocket up to something like a Loc IV with this pad. This is one of our best sellers.  Also, please be aware that we do not sell launch rods or rails.  Purchase rail here: LAUNCH RAIL

FLP-36 with Blast Deflector is $209.99 plus shipping.

Kept in primer and painted to order in the custom color of your choice with pre-payment.  Click here for color choices.

We ONLY accept credit cards through Paypal. We also accept money orders or checks.

Schools purchasing these for TARC teams should make sure you can abide by our payment policy before ordering.  Thanks. 

The FLP-36 model comes with a 7" X 9" blast deflector made from robust 14 gauge steel.

The FLP-36 model holds a 1" 1010 rail securely in its holder with a 3/8" thumb screw.  The rail holder tilts down for loading rockets and is tightened in place in the upright launch position with our new T-Handle bolt.

Our new T-Handle bolt eliminates the need for a wrench to tighten the rail holder. This is a major improvement and adds to the ease of use of this pad.

The FLP-36 folds together for compact storage and easy portability.

Get a clamp on aluminum rod perch for $9.99.  Part #RP-1.

Get a clamp on welded steel rail perch for $9.99.  Part #RP-1010.

With Loc "Lil Nuke".

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TLP-42 Model Tripod Launch Pad.

$249.99 plus shipping.

Our TLP-42 model tripod launch pad was specifically designed with TARC teams in mind.  It's sized to easily support and launch the size rockets you'll be working with in the TARC program.  It is equipped with the same rail / rod holder and blast deflector used on our folding FLP-36 model, which is also an excellent choice for TARC teams.  In fact, the TLP-42 is basically just a three legged version of our FLP-36. Since it has one less leg, we gave it a slightly larger 42" circular footprint which gives it plenty of stability.  It comes with a 7 X 9 inch blast deflector made from 14 gauge steel.  The three legs are held in place in their sleeves with 5/16 thumb screws and are easily removable for transport and compact storage.  Being a three legged tripod design, the pad will "self-level" itself on uneven ground.  A tripod pad in this size is something a few customers had been asking about for a while now, so here it is.  It does cost a little more as there is more manufacturing time involved with fabrication the central leg holder part of the launch pad but, of course, there's no way around that.   

$249.99 plus shipping.

Kept in primer and painted to order in the custom color of your choice with pre-payment.  Click here for color choices.

We ONLY accept credit cards through Paypal. We also accept money orders or checks.

Schools purchasing these for TARC teams should make sure you can abide by our payment policy before ordering.  Thanks.

The legs are held in their sleeves with 5/16 hex bolts.  (Production models will be equipped with thumb screws for fast set-up.)

The TLP-42's combo rail / rod holder holds both 1 inch 1010 series rails and 1/4" launch rods.  Seen here with a 1010 rail.

Pictured here with a 1/4" rod.

New TLP-42 pads utilize our new T-Handle bolts for tightening the rail holder.

TLP-42 in orange recently built for Princeton University.

Some of you are experiencing "ANALYSIS PARALYSIS" when it comes to deciding which one of these launch pads to go with.  I find myself being asked to explain all of the differences in these two models and make a recommendation as to which one you should purchase.  Folks, I had only one difference in mind when I decided to add the TLP-42 to the product line, and that was that it be a three legged tripod rather than a four legged folding pad.  That was it.  And since the TLP-42 has one less leg, I gave it a slightly larger 42" footprint for added stability, but that probably wasn't really necessary for TARC sized rockets.  The top half of both pads, (the rail holders, blast deflectors and pivot mounting posts), are virtually identical on the two models.  No difference there.  A couple of people had asked me about a TARC sized three legged tripod that would self level and not wobble if set up on un-level ground, so I added one to the product line.  If you set up the FLP-36 on a spot of ground that isn't perfectly level, it'll wobble slightly.  For anal retentive types, this is unacceptable.  But for those who are capable of "thinking through a problem", you can most times just move the pad 6 inches to the left or right, or forward or backward and voila...  wobble problem solved.  Or just take the heel of your shoe and knock down the high spot that's causing the wobble.  Not much of a puzzle to solve here, really, if you ask me.  But we offer both pads to give you a choice.  There will be some who just like the "look" of one pad more than the other.  I get that.  Just don't over analyze the one difference in these two models to the point of not being able to decide which one you want, because if you have to ask me for my recommendation I'm going to recommend the TLP-42 every time as it's a more expensive pad to manufacture and more profitable for me.  Both will do the same job for you, it's just of matter of which one you would prefer to have and use.