LOC/Precision Viper IV

LOC/Precision - Viper IV (PK-7) [1984-]

Contributed by Andy Miller

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Manufacturer: LOC/Precision
LOC/Precision Viper IV

Brief:
The Viper IV is similar to the LOC Viper III which has several reviews here, but has four 24mm motors tubes instead of 3.

Construction:
The kit includes one body tube, four motor tubes, two centering rings, four fins, and a nose cone. I received it in pieces, with no instructions and the main body tube and nose cone were gone so I replaced the tubes with standard LOC tubing available from our local hobby store and an AeroTech Strongarm nosecone.

As I said before I didn't get any instructions with this, however, the layout is so easy I'd bet virtually any one with previous MPR building experience could do it without the instructions. Standard LOC tubes and mountings don't change much from bird to bird.

Finishing:
No decals are included with any LOC kits, which in my opinion is too bad. In my case I wanted something other than a standard paint job so decals probably wouldn't have helped me.

Construction Rating: 5 out of 5

Flight:
I have three flights this year on this rocket, all have been fantastic. I used Nomex® chute protectors so I didn't need wadding, though I suspect wadding would work as well.

First flight was on Estes D12-7 motors.

Second and third flights were on Estes E9-8 motors. These last two flights had the rocket nearly vanished from my view they went so high. On the E9 motors it seems to go forever. "Wow" is all I can say.

Recovery:
I used the standard LOC side mount for the shock cord. It isn't showing any wear or tear yet so I believe I'll get many flights on it. The chute is the best 24" X-form I've ever seen.

Flight Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary:
I love this rocket and the Viper IV one of my favorites. I do wish LOC would make decals or at least make it possible to find the files to match the photos on their web site, but hey, we are rocketeers so we can design our own or do custom paint jobs, right?

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

Flights

Comments:

avatar
J.N. (November 28, 2004)
This is by far the most challenging rocket that I have ever built. I was rewarded with 3 awesome flights so far. I had my doubts because the rocket seemed heavy. It is designed and engineered very well. I think it is safe to say that this is my favorite rocket to date.

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