Art Applewhite Rockets - Ring of Fire (24mm) {Kit}

Art Applewhite Rockets Ring of Fire

Art Applewhite Rockets - Ring of Fire (24mm) {Kit}

Contributed by Dick Stafford

Construction Rating:
Flight Rating:
Overall Rating:

Published:	2018-04-27
Diameter:	5.58 inches
Length:	1.75 inches
Manufacturer:	Art Applewhite Rockets
Skill Level:	3
Style:	Odd-Roc, Ring/Tube/Cone Fin

Brief

The Ring of Fire is Art's latest kit and, as Art states, is the "epitome of Minimalism." Since the beginning, Art has pioneered the use of simple, low tech components - plastic plates, foam board and cardstock. Who else provides a kit that has been printed on a computer? However, the Ring of Fire actually uses REAL ROCKET PARTS! Exactly two of them. This kits flies on two of most any 24mm D or E class motor, although it can also fly safely on one motor.

Components

The Ring of Fire consists of a piece of a LOC 38mm motor tube and a short section of 5.5" tubing. There are no motor tubes nor is there a launch lug. These functions are served by holes that are cut in the 38m tube.

Construction

My Ring of Fire came with pre-installed flame wraps that also serve as cutout and alignment templates. I did my cutting using the recommended "plunge cut" technique. That is, you take a hobby knife with a new #11 blade and repeatedly shove it into the tube along the guide lines. The length of the cut depends on the depth of the plunge. This is also my preferred method for slotting tubes for through the wall fins.

Art recommends gluing the center tube into the 5.5" ring with Elmer's glue all but I used Tightbond Quick and Thick. I sanded the end cuts slightly making sure the fit of the 38mm tube in the ring was good.

Finishing

Construction Score: 5

Flight

The motors are mounted using tape thrust rings. If you add a few tape wraps on the upper end of the motors once they are inserted they will also have positive retention.

I flew the Ring of Fire twice at NARHAMS' April launch. The first flight was on two D12-5s. It was a real crowd pleaser, ripping off the pad with a loud whir. I then moved up to a pair of E12-4s. This flight was faster, longer and even LOUDER!

Recovery

As with most small saucer-style rockets, the kit used tumble recovery.

Flight Rating: 5

Summary

This is a really fun kit and is sure to get everyone's attention! It's as simple a build as you are going to find.

You can find all my photos/videos of the Ring of Fire [here].

Overall Rating: 5

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