Estes Black Brant II

Estes - Black Brant II {Kit} (1958) [1986-1998]

Contributed by Erik Turner

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Length: 24.88 inches
Manufacturer: Estes
Skill Level: 4
Style: Scale

 

[Rocket Picture]Brief:  This model is a scale model of a Canadian Atmospheric Research Vehicle. It has a single Estes parachute.

Construction:  Construction was fairly easy, except for one part. In making the motor mount, I made some mistake (can't remember) and had to rip the mount out. I would suggest being careful in making the mount especially when this model is the first friction fit kit you have made. This was the case for me.

Finishing:  This model was pretty easy to finish. Finishing is definitely not my strength, and this is one I'm proud of. Filling the balsa fins with clear paint, or wood filler and sanding them down is a must, and as is the case with most other models, multiple layers of paint covered with a clear coat makes a big difference.

 

Construction Rating:   4 out of 5

Flight:  My first flight with this model was actually on an E engine. I wasn't sure about how it would behave, but the flight was straight as an arrow, and the only pitfall was that I didn't select a motor with enough of a delay time. This meant that my parachute ripped, and it had a rough return, but thanks to some sturdy fillets ( a must if you want to launch with an E) the rocket was not damaged.

Recovery:  Recovery in this kit is ok. Careful motor selection is a must (Especially if you're used to just picking up a specific letter for less demanding easier models). The shock cord is thicker and stronger than most Estes' models, but is still not as strong as say an Aerotech. Overall, this models recovery system is sturdy and gets the job done.

Flight Rating:   4 out of 5

Summary:  I think that this model is a very good kit, and have talked to other owners who felt the same. It's extremely good aerodynamic attributes mean that it can reach out of sight altitudes (easily) on a D.

Overall Rating:   4 out of 5

Other Reviews
  • Estes Black Brant II By Casey Thomas Bartlett

    Brief: This is a good, clean, single staged rocket which uses an 18" plastic parachute for recovery. Construction: There is a single body tube, with three fins. The construction is very simple, and the design is very basic. The construction was fairly simple with an overall basic design. The Estes instructions were very thorough, and I was not confused at any point. The ...

Flights

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