The Launch Pad - Exocet MM.40 {Kit} (K008)

The Launch Pad Exocet MM.40

The Launch Pad - Exocet MM.40 {Kit} (K008)

Contributed by Andrew Bronfein

Overall Rating:

Published:	2011-05-01
Diameter:	2.60 inches
Manufacturer:	The Launch Pad
Style:	Scale

[Rocket Pic] I purchased the Launch Pad Exocet because of it's odd fin shape that I think look really neat. As all Launch Pad Kits I have purchased, not a part was missing and the instructions were definitely top rate. However, I hate leaving things the way they are and decided to follow Chuck's word for once and I'll be damned if he wasn't correct. Painting the fins with finishing epoxy instead of CA though, because CA fumes and I do not get along well at all, provided enough strength for this kit to handle 2 Aerotech E30 motors.

The rest of the kit was built as instructed except for the recovery system. My wife being a seamstress made me a 30" nylon cross-form parachute like one you saw on 1960's and 1970's dragsters which I think really makes this kit look great during it's slow descent. I also added a 1/2"x5' shock cord.

The Exocet has flown 2 times with no mishaps on AT E30-7's to altitudes close to 1400 feet. I plan and hope for a 1600-1700 foot launch using RMS F24s in the spring.

This kit receives a 4.5 of 5 overall with the only thing I can see wrong with every Launch Pad kit is the recovery system that uses 1/4" shock cord and a 18" mylar chute with thin rigging. I would much rather pay a few extra dollars if Chuck would provide thicker and longer shock cord and at least a good 24" nylon chute.

Other Reviews

The Launch Pad Exocet MM.40 By Tom Augustyn (July 28, 2015)
Brief This is a dual motor scale version of the French-built surface to surface anti-ship missile designed in 1967 and still in service today. This is a true modeler's kit that should only be attempted if you have previous building experience. There are lots of diagrams to reference but not the Estes type of "hold your hand through each step " instructions. Still, if you follow ...
The Launch Pad Exocet MM.40 By Gary Drebit
The Launch Pad Exocet MM.40 (Early Version) is a Skill level 3 project and they mean it. There is no pre-cut balsa wood parts and the instructions I received did not have an inventory list of parts, so I wasn't even sure when I started that I had everything. Instructions were on 5 pages and half of every page included diagrams to help with the assembly. If you have built a few rockets in ...

Flights

Comments:

K.M.J. (June 24, 2005)

At the time I built my model, this was the most advanced kit I'd worked on. There is a lot of fabrication (cutting fins, shaping detail bits, and the paper cone for the nose tip) but it is well within the reach of someone who has built several balsa fin kits. It was also my 1st cluster, and taught me about proper delay selection. TLP kits do require work to finish, but that makes them satisfying. Glad to hear they are back on the market again.

G.C.B. (May 17, 2006)

I built this model about ten years ago and did enjoy the build. On the first flight, the shock cord proved too short [I should have seen this] and the paper/card ring near the top of the body tube blew out. I didn't replace it, to my dismay! On the second flight, the CG/CP thingee went nuts when the parachute shifted aft, and there was no ring to keep it forward. The model went unstable as a result. Lesson learned!

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