Public Missiles Phobos

Public Missiles - Phobos

Contributed by Brian Kain

Manufacturer: Public Missiles
Rating
(Contributed - by Brian Kain - 10/15/00)

Brief:
I shortened the span of the fins to 2.25". Used 1/4" graphite tubing for launch lugs.

Picture

Modifications:
I took the three (3) fins and put them in my flat jaw vice, making sure to keep them all straight and lined up. Then with my dremel tool and a carbon cutting wheel, I cut all 3 fins at once. Then kept them in the vice and sanded them flat with a sanding block and some 120 grit. I use the dremel extension for cutting all my fins and I'll tell you why. 1.) The dremel tool itself will get in the way of the fins when you lay the tool flat on it's side to cut. 2.) You have way better control, and can get right above your work to see the line you are cutting on. If you use a dremel to cut your fins, I recommend buying an extension for it. You can also get deep inside airframes with it.

PictureWhy reduce the span of the fins? I generally scratch build everything and no kit goes by me without alteration. My general rule is make the span of each fin the same as the DIA of the rocket. 2.1" airframe..... 2" span on the fins. My rockets are usually stable-marginally stable. I like the wind to push my rocket instead of them flying into the wind. The Phobos is a little over stable with the fins stock. I just couldn't resist adding my personal touch.

Construction:
Kits contains: two (2) body tubes and a payload section. Quantum Tubing airframe. Three (3) fins, 1/16" G-10. Two (2) 1/8" centering rings to a 38mm phenolic MMT. 20' 3/8" Kevlar® shock cord. Attached nose cone with 3 small #10 machine screws

Packaging was great. But the parachute was missing and PML is currently helping me fix the problem. The quantum tubing is awesome, besides not being able to fiberglass it. Instructions were easy to follow even without using the illustrations. Fins went on straight, and the rocket had nice fitting components, and feels very sturdy. Right now it is just primered black, but will have a custom paint job soon.

Construction Rating: 5 out of 5

Flight:
H123-10 worked like a charm. I friction fitted it with some masking tape. The rocket flew very straight. The 3/8" Kevlar® worked good, and the recovery was flawless. I didn't use any wadding, just a Nomex® heat shield.

Flight Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary:
I really don't have any CON's about this rocket or any PML rockets, besides the elastic shock cord. But I am partial to Kevlar® and mil spec tubular nylon. PRO's....Ease of building. Nice fitting components. PML really sands those phenolic couplers nice for you, and that saves a lot of work. Good design. Simple to follow directions. A good rocket for someone looking for a level 1 and level 2 rocket in one kit.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

Other Reviews
  • Public Missiles Phobos By Aaron Stanley

    The Public Missiles, Ltd. Phobos is one of the great, easy to build mid and high power rockets out there you can buy. This rocket can be launched on any where from a F40 all the way up to a J570 if you get it with the 38mm motor mount. This is probably the best rocket to use for your Level 1 cert attempt, which I used it for. The only down side to this kit is you have to clean out the main ...

  • Public Missiles Phobos By Lance Alligood

    Brief: The PML Phobos is an easy to build single stage, single motor 3FNC MPR/HPR kit. It could be used for Level 1 certifications but I don't know if I would recommend it for that. You have a choice of either Quantum or phenolic tubing and 29mm or 38mm motor mount. I bought the kit direct from PML with the Quantum tubing (QT) and 38mm motor mount. My goal in picking the Phobos was that it ...

  • Public Missiles Phobos By Michael Veno

    Picture courtesy of Public Missiles Brief: The PML Phobos is a 2.15" HPR with payload section. I selected it because PML website indicated that is was capable of flying with a J350. This would allow me to use it for both for a TRA Level 1 certification as well as Level 2. Construction: The PML Phobos is a 2.15", 57” long HPR with payload section using the PML ...

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