Brief:
18mm Scale model of Canadian Black Brant VI sounding rocket.

Construction:

• BT-50, 18"
• PNC-50, 4:1 ogive
• 1/8" LL, 2"
• basswood fins, 4 from plans
• 18mm mmt (tube, block, 2 rings, engine hook)
• 12" parachute
• elastic shock cord, mount

Single-page, easy to follow instructions for a simple, scale model rocket. The plans include a simple diagram, fin template, painting guide, and markings which can be scanned, colored, and transferred to decal paper. I followed the instructions to the letter with the exception of the addition of TTW tabs to attach the fins to the motor tube as well as the airframe. Clay weight must be added to the nose to balance the rocket 9" from the rear to ensure stability (short fin span).

Finishing:
I painted the rocket a base coat of semi-gloss white before masking one fin and a white stripe on one side of the airframe. I then painted the nose, airframe, and three fins with red Krylon. I used SuperCal waterslide decal paper for the lettering and markings on the airframe.

Construction Rating: 5 out of 5

Flight:
First flight was on an 18mm Aerotech RMS C12-7T. The rocket flew perfectly straight to about 700', arched over while emitting tracking smoke, but there was no ejection. The rocket came in stable at high speed and hit pavement. The nose cone, airframe, and motor mount were obliterated. However the last four inches of the body tube and fins were undamaged (unscratched even), and most fortunately, the motor casing was also safe. Apparently the airframe and nose cone absorbed most of the force of impact.

Recovery:
Forensics seemed to indicate that the ejection charge cap was knocked off while loading the motor so the bp charge was scattered prior to flight. I need to remember to modify the engine block ring slightly during construction if I plan to use the 18mm reloadable motors. 5 points for flight, 0 for recovery, 2-1/2 overall. If you do it right you'll have excellent results.

Flight Rating: 2 out of 5

Summary:
Good looking, simple scale rocket from simple plans. Can't think of anything negative to say about that!

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5