Why do I need to use recovery wadding?

Estes’ flame-proof recovery wadding is an important component of most model rockets’ recovery systems. Model rockets that rely on parachute and/or streamer recovery need recovery wadding to keep the recovery system intact.

1. A scorched parachute– This occurs when the recovery wadding is crumpled into tight little balls and then inserted into the rocket’s body tube. This leaves gaps around the wadding permitting hot ejection gases to slip around the wadding. Instead, each piece of wadding should be crumpled into loose ball shapes before inserting them. This eliminates any air gaps. Visually check the wadding after you’ve inserted it: look down into the body tube to see if any light can be seen around the edges. If light shows through, repack the wadding.

2. Substituting tissue paper for recovery wadding—Never do this! Recovery wadding is specially treated with flame retardant. When an engine’s ejection charge goes off, it produces hot expanding gases that push the nose cone and parachute/streamer out. Recovery wadding provides a physical barrier between the ejection charge and the parachute/streamer to prevent those hot gas from melting it. If ordinary tissue paper is used, it will catch fire and burn as it floats to the ground.