F.I.R.E. Cup 2020
FAI Open International World Cup Spacemodeling Competition
March 26-28, 2020
Austin/Cedar Park/Briggs, Texas
Introduction
The Firefly International Rocket Event is a unique opportunity for space modelers to gather and fly on the site of an actual space booster manufacturer! F.I.R.E. will be flown as an Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) Open International World Cup contest, featuring a focus on potential “next generation” FAI space modeling events.
Events
- S12 – triathlon duration (streamer, gyrocopter, parachute using a single model)
- S6/P – streamer duration, precision launch
- S2/P – precision altitude & duration with fragile payload
- S8E/P – rocket glider, precision duration & landing
- S7 – scale using “sport scale” judging (unmeasured, quick)
Contest Rules
The competition will be held according to the current FAI Sporting Code for Spacemodeling and the NAR Model Rocket Safety Code . In any cases where FAI and NAR rules conflict, the NAR Safety Code shall have precedence.
Only Adrel altimeters may be used for S2/P. Competitors may bring their own, or can rent or purchase them at the event for $80.
An FAI Sporting License is not required to participate but is highly recommended. Participants who do not hold an FAI Sporting License will not be included in the final official classification (but will still have a great time!).
Motors
All F.I.R.E. events will be flown with Estes and Aerotech motors. S12 and S6/P will use 13mm diameter Estes 1/2A3 motors provided by the organizers, with both 2 and 4 second delay variants on-hand. S8E/P will use 24-mm diameter Aerotech E7 motors provided by the organizers.
For S7 and S2/P flyers, we recommend that you order these motors well in advance of the event from a US vendor and have them shipped to the Event Director.
Note that all motors used at this event must be NAR safety certified. Motors must contain less than 30 grams of propellant.
Do not attempt airline travel with your own motors!
Awards
The best three performances in each event and overall best performance in the competition will receive certificates. The top overall individual competitor will be recognized, and the top National Team will receive the F.I.R.E. Trophy.
Flying Site
Firefly Test Site
281 CR 210
Briggs, TX 78605
Distance from hotel to flying site: approximately 27 miles/30 minutes
Firefly Aerospace (tour location)
1320 Arrow Point Dr.
Cedar Park, TX 78613
Hotel
Candlewood Suites Cedar Park
1100 Cottonwood Creek Trail
Cedar Park, Texas 78613
Phone (512) 986-4825
https://www.ihg.com/candlewood/hotels/us/en/cedar-park/auscp/hoteldetail
No special arrangements have been made for the hotel, as the standard rates are very reasonable. Please book online or contact the hotel individually. The Candlewood Suites Cedar Park is located in an area with many dining and shopping options, and is located close to the Firefly Aerospace offices.
Travel
Austin/Bergstrom International Airport is the suggested arrival airport for F.I.R.E. participants, offering direct flights from over 75 US, Canadian, and European cities. The airport is located approximately 28 miles from the suggested hotel. Rental cars from a wide range of vendors are available.
Should any participant require visa support, please contact the Event Director.
Registration and Entry Fee
Free! That’s right, free! Registration is open now and will remain open until the event begins.
Registered and Invited Participants
(Updated 21-Feb-2020) The following people have registered or been invited to attend F.I.R.E. 2020.
| Name | Country | Comment |
| Anton Petrukh | UKR | |
| Chris Flanigan | USA | |
| Chris Kidwell | USA | |
| Dave O’Bryan | USA | |
| David Bellhorn | USA | |
| Denys Khmil | UKR | |
| Doug Hilson | USA | |
| Ihor Volkanov | UKR | Team UKR Manager |
| James Duffy | USA | |
| Keith Vinyard | USA | |
| Maksym Lavrynenko | UKR | |
| Matt Steele | USA | Team USA Manager |
| Mike Nowak | USA | |
| Mykhailo Riabokon | UKR | |
| O. Lee James III | USA | |
| Oleksandr Radchenko | UKR | |
| Olha Khmil | UKR | |
| Serhii Mytrokhov | UKR | |
| Stepan Ivchenko | UKR | |
| Tony Reynolds | USA | |
| Vikor Lytvynenko | UKR | |
| Volodymyr Karpliuk | UKR |
Event Director
James Duffy
450 Abrams Road
Georgetown, TX 78633
email: jduffy@mac.com
(512) 423-1855
All general questions and motor shipments should be directed to the Event Director.
Contest Director
Dr. Mike Nowak, USA
2349 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights, OH
(216) 337-9537
FAI Jury
- Michael Ryabokon (UKR), President
- Matt Steele (USA)
- TBD
Protests may be submitted in writing, along with a $5 non-refundable protest fee, within a one-hour period after each event.
Range Safety Officer
- Nick Nowak (USA)
S7 Judges
- Michael Ryabokon (UKR), Chief Judge
- Charles “Chas” Russell (USA)
- TBD
Schedule
| Tuesday March 24 |
| Suggested arrival day for participants from beyond North America |
| Wednesday, March 25 |
| Suggested arrival day for US and Canadian participants |
Please note that all events at the Firefly Test Site are subject to last-minute schedule changes in order to accommodate test activities. Stay flexible!
| Thursday, March 26 – Practice Day | |||
| Event | Start Time | End Time | Location |
| Breakfast | 08:00 | 08:45 | On your own |
| Potential Firefly Aerospace tour (subject to operational conditions) |
10:00 | 11:00 | Firefly Aerospace |
| Lunch | 12:00 | 13:00 | Andice General Store |
| Practice flights | 13:00 | 16:00 | Firefly Test Site (Briggs, TX) |
| Travel to hotel | 16:00 | 16:30 | x |
| Dinner | 18:00 | 19:00 | Location TBD |
| Friday, March 27 – Contest Day 1 | |||
| Event | Start Time | End Time | Location |
| Breakfast | 06:30 | 07:15 | On your own |
| Travel to Firefly Test Site | 07:15 | 07:45 | x |
| S12, Round 1 (S6 rules) | 08:30 | 09:15 | Field |
| Model reconfiguration break | 09:15 | 09:30 | “ |
| S12, Round 2 (S9 rules) | 09:30 | 10:15 | “ |
| Model reconfiguration break | 10:15 | 10:30 | “ |
| S12, Round 3 (S3 rules) | 10:30 | 11:15 | “ |
| S6, Round 1 | 11:15 | 12:00 | “ |
| S6, Round 2 | 12:00 | 12:45 | “ |
| Lunch | 13:00 | 13:45 | “ |
| S6, Round 3 | 14:00 | 14:45 | “ |
| Flyoffs (if needed) | 15:00 | 15:30 | “ |
| Travel to hotel | 16:00 | 16:30 | x |
| S7 model turn-in | 17:00 | 17:30 | Hotel |
| Dinner | 18:00 | 20:00 | TBD |
| Saturday, March 28 – Contest Day 2 | |||
| Event | Start Time | End Time | Location |
| Breakfast | 06:30 | 07:15 | On your own |
| Travel to Firefly Test Site | 07:15 | 07:45 | x |
| S2P, Round 1 | 08:00 | 08:45 | Field |
| S2P, Round 2 | 08:45 | 09:30 | “ |
| S2P, Round 3 | 09:30 | 10:15 | “ |
| S8E/P, Round 1 | 11:00 | 11:45 | “ |
| Lunch break | 11:45 | 12:30 | “ |
| Demo flights (as schedule allows) |
12:00 | 13:30 | “ |
| S7, Round 1 | 12:30 | 14:00 | “ |
| S8E/P, Round 2 | 13:00 | 13:45 | “ |
| S7, Round 2 | 14:00 | 15:00 | “ |
| S8E/P, Round 3 | 13:45 | 14:30 | “ |
| S8E/P, Final Round | 14:30 | 15:00 | “ |
| Travel to hotel | 16:00 | 16:30 | x |
| Travel to Banquet | 17:30 | 18:30 | x |
| Banquet | 18:30 | 21:00 | TBD |
| Sunday March 29 |
| Reserve day |
| Monday March 30 |
| Departure day |