Pyramid Rockets 9 Inch Flying Pyramid

Pyramid Rockets - 9 Inch Flying Pyramid

Contributed by Greg Lane

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Manufacturer: Pyramid Rockets
Pyramid Rocketry 9in Pyramid

Brief:
A pyramid shaped rocket with a rear deployed parachute

Construction:
The kit comes with a poster board sheet that is pre-cut. When folded and glued, it forms the shell for the pyramid. There are eight laser cut balsa triangles that are paired, glued together, and placed inside the poster board shell to form the four sides of the pyramid.

The instructions are well done. I only got into problems where I did not follow them. The four balsa triangles require a 45 degree bevel on the edge. I did not trial fit them in the shell like the instructions said and when I put them in the shell there were some gaps. So I put some balsa dust in the gap and worked in white glue. The rest went smoothly and was a real pleasure to construct. I used epoxy clay to fill the excess space around the hole drilled for the launch lug. There are BBs supplied for nose weight. The BBs are mixed with epoxy and poured into the tip of the pyramid.

Pyramid Rocketry 9in Pyramid

Finishing:
I just used Krylon H20 paint. I was in a hurry and left off the primer. Best plan is to take your time and prime before the color coat. The H2O does a pretty good job in any case.

Construction Rating: 5 out of 5

Flight:
The motor is friction fit. I placed some wraps of tape around the end of the motor to form a motor stop. Wadding is recommended to buffer the ejection charge. I used a little bit of cellulose insulation (a.k.a. "dog barf"). The boost was nice and slow with some weathercocking. The ejection was just after apogee.

Recovery:
The pyramid rocket uses rear chute deployment. The chutes are placed between the two centering rings for the motor tube. I would read the instructions carefully as the technique is not winding the chute around the motor tube as is the temptation. A Kevlar® shock cord connects a large chute to the body of the pyramid. The motor mount has a small chute and recovers separately. The recovery was perfect and the supplied nylon chutes are excellent quality.

Pyramid Rocketry 9in PyramidPyramid Rocketry 9in Pyramid

Flight Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary:
I think one pro for this rocket is the effect on non-rocketeers and some rocketeers. That is a rocket? Does it really fly? Yes, it really does fly well. The pyramid has a lot of WOW factor as it appears that the flame is longer than the rocket on the G40 flight. From a rocketeers perspective, I like the rear deployment. The price may be a con for some, but for me the unique design and quality parts are worth the price.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

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