Tail cone built and installed

Just as with the nose cone, the Arbalète has now received its tail cone made from composite. The original construction relied on aluminium and even steel sheeting – largely due to the rocket engine that was once installed. With that engine no longer in place, heat resistance is no longer a requirement, which made it possible to manufacture the cone in lightweight composite material, together with the corresponding mounting ring. Both parts were produced in carbon fibre, which also brought a significant weight saving.

The positive mould required for this was considerably larger than the one for the nose cone. Using a 3D printer and a good deal of filler work, the moulds for the mounting ring and cone were created, shaped precisely to fit the fuselage end.

The finished cone was reinforced on the inside with three strengthening rings – following the design of the original metal construction. Cutting the openings for the fin spar and the control elements, as well as fitting the 44 rivet stop-nuts, still demands a fair amount of patience.