The Launch Pad - Dragonfly {Kit} (K050)

The Launch Pad Dragonfly

The Launch Pad - Dragonfly {Kit} (K050)

Contributed by Andrew Bronfein

Construction Rating:
Flight Rating:
Overall Rating:

Published:	2010-11-01
Diameter:	1.60 inches
Length:	26.50 inches
Manufacturer:	The Launch Pad
Skill Level:	2
Style:	Military

Construction overall rating 4

[Rocket Pic] Only problem with this kit is that the large rear fins are kind of thin I replaced their fins with 1/8" balsa instead of the supplied 1/16" and the rocket seems to be a lot more sturdy. Their instructions are very easy to understand and along with a good picture diagram they have a good text walk through. Finishing was a breeze and there are no decals with the kit so I used my color laser printer to make a set of paper "decals" for the kit.

Flight overall rating 5

The kit flew quite straight and fast on a D12-7 for its 1st flight even with the slightly heavier modified rear fins. Recovery was nice and soft with the 18" mylar parachute provided with the kit.

Overall Rating 4

Aside from the thin, in my opinion, rear fins and the lack of decals this kit would be definitely one to suggest to the novice and experienced rocketeer alike.

Flights

Comments:

D.T. (August 14, 2002)

I built the Dragonfly with the supplied 1/16" balsa stock and strengthened it with CA. I was a little concerned using this method because previous attempts at this left me with warped (and useless) fins. This time it worked great and the fins were strong and straight. I flew my Dragonfly twice on a D12-7 and both times it weathercocked badly at about 100' and took off like it had acquired it's target. Very cool looking but it makes for long walks. I added two ounces of weight to the nose and used an E15-7 for the third launch and it flew straight as an arrow, even in 10+ mph winds. The Launch Pad kits are one of my favorites to build because they take a little more skill and patience and are always of high quality.

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