The Launch Pad - Falcon AIM-4C {Kit}

The Launch Pad Falcon AIM-4C

The Launch Pad - Falcon AIM-4C {Kit}

Contributed by David Newill

Manufacturer:

The following excerpt is from "Sport Rocketry". The intention is to allow guests to get a basic feeling about a kit. We strongly suggest that you get a copy of the referenced Sport Rocketry and read the entire article. Inside you will find many helpful hints in construction as well as other useful information. For more information, use the two links above.

(Sport Rocketry - Sep/Oct 1997 - page 34 - by David Newill)

[Picture] "One of the neat tricks in a Launch Pad kit is the extra entering ring baffle mounted near the front of the main tube to keep the parachute and wadding up front."
"Fin assembly is fairly complex."
"The balsa supplied with the kit was extremely soft, so it was very difficult for me to cut the fin slots without crushing the material."
"The front fins are double diamond beveled and the material supplied is strong enough to do a good job."
"An Estes E was selected for the first flight."
"The model looks great on a display stand, like a good museum model."
"The kit instructions are complete, but are not for a build-by-picture modeler."

The entire article gives the impression is that it a skilled modeler would enjoy this kit and it may not be for a novice.

Flights

Comments:

E.S. (June 1, 2000)

I have built many Launch Pad kits and this is one of my favorites. Nobody else has all these cool military missiles but The Launch Pad. However, durability wise, I don't like the balsa fins and thin centering rings that generally come with the kits. I replaced the fins with a mix of basswood (for the long portion of the fins and the small fins on the nose) and ply for the lower rectangular fins and ply for the centering rings. I also put on a 1/4" launch lug. These changes alter the CG of the rocket and nose weight is then required (I put 2.5 ounces in the nose). I also put a 18" nylon parachute in instead of the mylar chute supplied. These changes make a really rugged cool looking missile that can easily handle all F and some 24mm G's. As always, I would run a simulation on something like RockSim to make sure you will have a stabile rocket. I have found these kits if altered at all (including using beefier fillets etc.) from the instructions will generally need some nose weight.

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