Editing Model rocket (section)

===Helicopter recovery===

The ejection charge, through one of several methods, deploys [[helicopter]]-style blades and the rocket [[Autorotation (helicopter)|autorotates]] back to earth. The helicopter recovery usually happens when the engine's recoil creates pressure, making the nose cone pop out. There are rubber bands connected to the nosecone and three or more blades. The rubber bands pull the blades out and they provide enough drag to soften the landing.
In some rockets, the fins are used as the blades as well. In these, the ejection charge pushes a tube inside that has tabs sticking out of the rocket that hold the fins during launch. Then the tab releases the rubber band-pulled fins than pivot up into helicopter position.