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export control stuff

Added by Matt Maier over 9 years ago

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/FR/2014/79FR0034.pdf

"Category IV—Launch Vehicles, Guided Missiles, Ballistic Missiles, Rockets, Torpedoes, Bombs, and Mines
*(a) Rockets, space launch vehicles (SLVs), missiles, bombs, torpedoes, depth charges, mines, and grenades"

"Note 3 to paragraph (a): This paragraph does not control model and high power rockets (as defined in National Fire Protection Association Code 1122) and kits thereof made of paper, wood, fiberglass, or plastic containing no substantial metal parts and designed to be flown with hobby rocket motors that are certified for consumer use. Such rockets must not contain active controls (e.g., RF, GPS)."

"*(b) Launchers for rockets, SLVs, and missiles"

"Note 3 to paragraph (b): This paragraph does not control parts and accessories (e.g., igniters, launch stands) specially designed for consumer use with model and high power rockets (as defined in National Fire Protection Association Code 1122) and kits thereof made of paper, wood, fiberglass, or plastic containing no substantial metal parts and designed to be flown with hobby rocket motors that are certified for consumer use"

"*(d) Rocket, SLV, and missile power plants,"

"Note to paragraph (d): This paragraph does not control model and high power rocket motors, containing no more than 5 pounds of propellant, that are certified for U.S. consumer use as described in National Fire Protection Association Code 1125."


Replies (7)

RE: export control stuff - Added by Matt Maier over 9 years ago

(h) Systems, subsystems, parts, components, accessories, attachments, or associated equipment, as follows:
(1) Flight control and guidance systems (including guidance sets) specially designed for articles enumerated in paragraph (a) of this category (MT for those articles enumerated in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this category);

Note to paragraph (h)(1): A guidance set integrates the process of measuring and computing a vehicle’s position and velocity (i.e., navigation) with that of computing and sending commands to the vehicle’s flight control systems to correct the trajectory.

RE: export control stuff - Added by Matt Maier over 9 years ago

So, it looks like under the revised rules, as long as your rocket falls under the model/high-powered umbrella Category IV doesn't cover it. That should also mean any of the components likewise aren't covered. If we limit the discussion of "launch vehicles" that are small enough to be hobbies we should be fine. I reached out to NAR to ask them how they make the distinction.

RE: export control stuff - Added by J. Simmons over 9 years ago

Thanks, Matt, for gathering these details. It is very good to know under what rules we can work openly. I guess the last question for me concerning the model/hobby rocket exemptions is do they also clearly cover test stands (vs launch stands)? It would make sense that they do, but it would also be nice to find a suitable reference to document that.

RE: export control stuff - Added by Matt Maier over 9 years ago

It seems like a solid argument that if launch stands for hobby rockets aren't covered, then test stands couldn't be, since they work with the same size motors and can't even launch anything.

I sent another email to NAR. Hopefully they'll be as helpful as on the first question.

The specific regulation costs money. Would the board be open to the idea of purchasing a Mach 30 copy?

RE: export control stuff - Added by Matt Maier over 9 years ago

I'd like to get a look at NFPA 1122 & 1127 to see what exactly they cover since the USML just tossed them the ball and moved on.

RE: export control stuff - Added by J. Simmons over 9 years ago

Can you post links to where we can acquire copies so I can discuss this with the board?

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