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Arrows to shoot a mile

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avcase:
I am used to getting funny looks when I call these arrows. Haha!

The side view profile is airfoil-like, or resembles a stretched out version of an aircraft external fuel tank. The thickest part of the arrow is .186” diameter, and this is forward of the center of the arrow. It then gradually tapers to a .125” diameter nock, which is small as I can go to fit a string. The best performers are about 115 grains and short as I can get them. They are overdrawn as much as three times their length. The point has to be perfectly balanced on a thin transparent Mylar rest. At release, there is nothing supporting the arrow and the arrow and string just blow through the arrow rest, so it needs to be perfectly aligned and balanced or it will tumble or smash into the bow.

The arrows are also on the edge of aerodynamic stability with long stainless steel nocks shifting weight to the aft end. I take down the corners on one side of the leading edge of the vanes with a diamond hone in order to induce a very mild spin. This spin is the only thing keeping the arrow from tumbling when it slows down at the maximum height of its trajectory.  It is tricky to get this just right. What works well at lower altitudes doesn’t always work well at higher altitudes. This trades off some arrow speed for lift and drag so that the arrow lands as softly as possible. Otherwise, it is just gone underground, never to be seen again.

I have had arrows fail on release, and the arrow usually disintegrates so thoroughly that it looks like the bow hacked up a puff of black smoke. Good protective foot shields are essential!  The bow is cratered with pock-marks, gouges, and embedded razor blades after years of abuse. It adds character.

It is a fun hobby.

Unfortunately, I don’t yet know how to transfer what I learned about making these tiny carbon arrows to primitive flight arrows.  I miss making primitive equipment, but I found I can only focus on one thing at a time.

Alan

DC:
Thanks Alan. If you mounted a chrono on the front of your bow it would look a lot like my shooting machine :D

bownarra:
Turkish arrows should get you halfway :)

avcase:

--- Quote from: DC on September 11, 2020, 06:58:47 pm ---Thanks Alan. If you mounted a chrono on the front of your bow it would look a lot like my shooting machine :D

--- End quote ---

I’d have a chrono mounted in front of I could find one light enough!  One of these days I’m going to get one of those LabRadar’s that can give speeds over the first 40 or so yards.

Alan

bownarra:
How on earth do you find them again is my question!!! What draw weight is your footbow Alan? I see what you mean about good foot protectors now....that thing is nuts!

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