Aquila

Aquila is the second stage of Griffin 1, CUSFs first attempt to cross the karman line. It is powered by a Cesaroni Pro-98 motor, has a bistable fin system, and is equiped with a hypersonic recovery system. CUSF intend to launch Aquila for testing of the recovery system in 2022.

History

Griffin 1 was conceived in early 2020, but specfic work on Aquila did not begin until early 2021, when Barty Wardell was appointed Aquila PM after the March 2021 AGM. Following his appointment, Barty oversaw very rapid development of the Aquila aero in April 2021, partially based off of Martlet 4, but the stability had to be 2 directional due to the nature of the recoery system. After a "design blitz" at the end of April, development has slowed for Exam season, with only some design review and documentation taking place until the summer, where work will begin again.