 HellFire is the Utah Rocket Club’s biggest launch of the Year.
The launch is held on the Bonneville Salt Flats. The Flats are located approximately 88 miles west of Salt Lake City, UT right off Interstate 80. Wendover is the closest town to the Flats for accommodations, food, casinos & night life. If you are familiar with the Bonneville Salt Flats, you know that it’s vast, endless, flat expanses are perfect for High Power Rocketry.
When: The plumes of smoke will trail into the air on August 5, 6, 7, and 8.
- Thursday, August 5 - Tripoli Sport Launch
- Friday, August 6 - Tripoli Research Launch (Tripoli Flyers Only)
- Saturday, August 7 - Tripoli Sport Launch
- Sunday, August 8 - Tripoli Sport Launch
How High: We have expect to receive our waiver from the FAA as in year's past and have a waiver of 10,000+ AGL with windows to 25,000' AGL.
UROC's years of experience with high power launches on the Bonneville Salt Flats has allowed the launch to mature into a premier event. Equipment is excellent, support is good, and the site cannot be compared to anywhere else on Earth... Although, technically this would probably be considered a regional launch, it has national appeal and is well-attended.
If you want to see some big rockets fly, this is the place to see them. We’ll have rockets ranging in weight from 1 or 2 ounces to over 200 pounds! Watch this website for featured flights that will be taking place during the 4 days of HellFire.
SPECTATORS ARE WELCOME - THERE IS NO CHARGE!
HellFire has become well known for its high-power contests. Every year people come from around the US to compete in these events. This upcoming year will not be any different, we’ll have a series of contests that will challenge even the most advanced rocketeers as well as contests for the kids just starting out. If you are planning on flying at HellFire, please register early. The sooner you register the better HellFire can be.
REGISTER HERE
About the Flats
Whatever you've heard about the Bonneville Salt Flats, it is probably true. The vastness will humble you. The Bonneville Salt Flats are one of the most unique natural features in the United States, the flats stretch over 30,000 acres at an altitude of approximately 4320 feet above sea level. Bonneville's heat will cook you alive (hence the name HellFire). We've all experienced bright sunlight, but at Bonneville its intensity is reinforced by being prismatically reflected off the ocean of salt that surrounds you.
You're going to need to block the sun from your face and arms. Bring some good lip balm and sun block, and use them both several times a day. Don't forget. And protect your eyes and head, too. It's easy to spot the people who are there for the first time - they' re the ones without sunglasses and hats. If they've been on the salt flats for more than two days, avoid standing downwind from them, since the wind often blows chunks of crispy, toasted skin off their faces and lips, which eventually settles into a fine crust on the flats.
Where to Stay
One of the great things about holding a launch on the Bonneville Salt Flats is the launch site’s proximity to the town of Wendover (about 15 minutes away from the launch site!) The town is perched on the border of Utah and Nevada. Because of this, it has become an oasis for Utahns wanting to experience some “night-life”.
The Nevada side of Wendover is teeming with casino/resort complexes that include all of the amenities such as pools, spas, exercise equipment, great food and the ever important air-conditioning. It’s a real bonus being able to come in from the heat after a good day of flying. Hotel and accommodation information is available through the Wendover Tourism and Convention Bureau, 1-775-664-3138 or Toll Free 1-866-299-2489.
What you should Bring
Whether you are planning on flying or just watching, be sure to bring a hat, and shade from the sun.
If you intend to set up a 'semi-permanent' spectator area, you must secure a tarp as a floor covering on the salt. Don’t forget your camera and bring lots of film, because you will want to remember everything you see. Binoculars are also a great idea since the vehicles are at least 1/4 mile away as they lift off.
Please pick up ALL of your trash and take it with you—everyday. There will not be dumpsters provided. HellFire is a "Pack it in, Pack it out event."
|
