(
Contributed - by Bob
Hvarven)
Another little ARF -
There will surely be a Global "Plastic Shortage" very soon. Just
happened to see this one while sliding the isles at Wally World. This is a
little intro to a Flying Saucer ARF.....
Package: Again, it is hard to slam the packaging. Estes has done a fine
job of making an appealing product presentation. I would like to see them spend
R&D money on bringing back the "Classic" Estes kits and making
some new "Kits" instead of Injection Moldings....
Parts: The
pieces are not many. The Saucer, and a bag containing some other things to make
it work
These parts are in the plastic bag. (3) landing gear wires, an extra motor
retention ring, a nice "Little" catalog and the ever present Estes
Pamphlet with some Safety and NAR info inside.
Construction: The landing gear wires just "Snap" into place.
Didn't think I would ever finish - Wheww. The instructions suggest you place a
piece of tape over the wire to keep it from jumping out of the plastic slots.
Yes, they point UP. When you see the flight profile you will understand. The
motor retention ring was already in place, and there is no need for a streamer
or parachute.
Oh - add a little tape - do a little dance - get down tonight, get down
tonight.... One of the most important things about a hobby - Gotta make it FUN.
Yes, this is UP, and
you are not experiencing CRT induced vertigo... Reference below..
Flight Profile: It goes up-pedey-up-up then it goes down-de-de-down-down.
Gads!!! I think I just had a movie musical flash back .... As you can see,
after boost and burnout of the motor, it looses it aerodynamic stability and
flips over and lands on the cute little wire legs - ah, how sweet. I have seen
one of these made by another company and it is worth watching - although the
flight is very short. I've been racking what's left of my brain trying to
figure out how to get an I-65 long burn into it ?? Hmmm.
Flight: The
C-6-0 motor installed, the igniter installed, and the motor retention ring in
place and we are about ready to go. The "Snitch" waits on the gantry
for the countdown to begin. FIRE -
Got lucky and actually was able to get a picture !! Here the "Snitch"
climbs straight and true (although not very fast). Flight altitude couldn't
have been over 60-70 feet, but it was fun to watch. The motor quit and the
saucer flipped over as advertised and floated down to earth.
It
landed on the wire legs, but flipped over on it's side without injury. The only
way you could tell it had even flown was the slight discoloration on the motor
retention ring, and the pungent smell of a spent black powder motor. Very
satisfying flight, and would work perfectly for school or other small field
demo's
Opinion: I liked this flying saucer. I know I have
stated elsewhere I have a distinct dislike for plastic ARF's, but this one
filled a neat gap between fast and high rockets that was fun to play with. It
looks like you could launch it until you ran out of money buying motors and it
would still be in one piece. It would have value as a demo rocket. It was a
nice change of pace, and I believe almost anyone would enjoy it. I'm rating it
high on it's "stand alone" merits and not clumping it together with
the other ARF rockets I have seen and flown. BUY IT - If you don't like it, I
guarantee that maybe, possibly, kinda' that perhaps ESTES will give you your
money back - sorta' Ah, what's $6.00 to a bunch of 'High-Rollers" like
ya'll... :)
Rating:
5
out of 5 , For what it is, leave it alone, it works great.....
Editor Note: These pictures were contributed by Dean
Cooper. I thought they were worth posting without a review: