Atlantic Iris

Atlantic Iris

Contributed by Mark Sunderland

Atlantic Rockets - Iris
(by Mark Sunderland) 

The Atlantic Rockets Iris is one of my favorite rockets, because it is always a good stable flyer. It flies well with a variety of motors. 

Construction: 

The instruction sheet was very basic, but if you've built a few kits, this shouldn't be a problem. I saved the Motor mount tube and rings they gave me for another rocket, and made some 29mm centering rings and got some 29mm tubing. This rocket really uses the extra power. If you build it lightly, it will still stay under a pound, as mine did. The couplers were pathetically short, but when you use epoxy and pre-fit with tape, they hold up just fine. The shock cord mount is basically a good concept, but mine used a full six foot length of elastic. The engine mount tube and aft centering ring come up to the first coupler. The fins were first tacked on with CA glue, then several layers of wood glue fillets were used. Overall, I'd rate it 3 points if built stock. 

Flight/Recovery:

The modified Iris performs beautifully on long burn 29mm motors. Specifically, the F-22-5J, G-33-7J, G-25-5W (My personal favorite), and the F-20-4 Econojet. You could also use the E-16-4 and E-23-4 for small flying sites. I have yet to try it on 24mm motors, although the F-12-3 might be a good choice for small fields in calm weather. I have yet to have a flawed recovery when using the recommended motors (Meaning NO F-22-7s) . Overall, this is one of my favorite flying rockets, so I'd give it 5 points in flight/recovery. 

In value, this kit is a pretty good deal. It would be a much better deal if it came with a 29mm mount. It is a very durable rocket if you take care of it; a good improvement would be reinforced edges on the fins. 

Overall, I give this kit 4 points. 

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