Construction Rating: | starstarstarstarstar |
Flight Rating: | starstarstar_borderstar_borderstar_border |
Overall Rating: | starstarstarstarstar_border |
Brief:
18mm Scale model of Canadian Black Brant VI sounding rocket.
Construction:
Single-page, easy to follow instructions for a simple, scale model rocket. The plans include a simple diagram, fin template, painting guide, and markings which can be scanned, colored, and transferred to decal paper. I followed the instructions to the letter with the exception of the addition of TTW tabs to attach the fins to the motor tube as well as the airframe. Clay weight must be added to the nose to balance the rocket 9" from the rear to ensure stability (short fin span).
Finishing:
I painted the rocket a base coat of semi-gloss white before masking one fin and
a white stripe on one side of the airframe. I then painted the nose, airframe,
and three fins with red Krylon. I used SuperCal waterslide decal paper for the
lettering and markings on the airframe.
Construction Rating: 5 out of 5
Flight:
First flight was on an 18mm Aerotech RMS C12-7T. The rocket flew perfectly
straight to about 700', arched over while emitting tracking smoke, but there
was no ejection. The rocket came in stable at high speed and hit pavement. The
nose cone, airframe, and motor mount were obliterated. However the last four
inches of the body tube and fins were undamaged (unscratched even), and most
fortunately, the motor casing was also safe. Apparently the airframe and nose
cone absorbed most of the force of impact.
Recovery:
Forensics seemed to indicate that the ejection charge cap was knocked off while
loading the motor so the bp charge was scattered prior to flight. I need to
remember to modify the engine block ring slightly during construction if I plan
to use the 18mm reloadable motors. 5 points for flight, 0 for recovery, 2-1/2
overall. If you do it right you'll have excellent results.
Flight Rating: 2 out of 5
Summary:
Good looking, simple scale rocket from simple plans. Can't think of anything
negative to say about that!
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
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