| An interesting kit from
Estes that is similar to the Venus Probe kit. The top part ejects,
flips over and recovers on a parachute and 3 retractable legs. The
kit is very heavy on plastic and thus, very heavy. Don't expect altitude.
Recovery is by 2 parachutes. It is difficult to stuff both into the
bodytube. To get the look shown at left requires some skill at detail
painting and shading techniques. I chose to leave mine as it came
out of the box.
Launch: First flight was a near disaster. I chose a B6-4.
Bad choice. Not nearly enough power to get this thing to any reasonable
height. The rocket was inches from destruction when the chutes finally
emerged. The nose pod actually hit the ground before its chute opened
but due to the heavy plastic construction it didn't break.
Second flight used a C5-3 to give it a little
kick in the pants off the pad. This did the trick and lofted it up
high enough for everything to open. Still not impressed with the
altitude but it would be a nifty demo rocket for the kids.
Length: 18.5"
Diameter: 2.25"
Weight: 5.3 oz
Recovery: 2 parachutes
Engine: C5 or C6 only!
Max altitude: 200'
Total flights: 2 |
