Sunward Aerospace Khufu's Pyramid

Sunward Aerospace - Khufu's Pyramid {Kit}

Contributed by Marty Wiggins

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Manufacturer: Sunward Aerospace
Style: Pyramid
Sunward Aersopace Khufu's Pyramid

Brief:
Khufu's Pyramid is a nice low flying, high drag rocket. It is 6" tall and 5.25" wide.

Construction:
The kit comes with cardstock for the template and skin of the pyramid. It also has 8 triangle pieces that make up the 4 sides. A 24mm mount is included along with a streamer for recovery of the motor mount. The parachute is a nice and thick.

The instructions are lengthy and very good. This is listed as a skill level 4 kit and I believe it. A couple of the steps were a little confusing to me, but I emailed Sunward and they replied within 1 day.

One of the steps in question was the use of the paper template. I wanted to make sure that it was the skin of the pyramid. The other question was about how much nose weight to use. The instructions tell you to add extra nose weight for E motors, but it does not tell you how much. I added as much nose weight as I could fit under the forward closure.

Sunward Aersopace Khufu's Pyramid The instructions specify white glue for working the paper template. I think that is critical to getting a smooth finish. Be sure to brush on the white glue lightly so the paper does not wrinkle.

Finishing:
The pyramid is very easy to finish. You just paint the paper template. I did not use any primer and the finish is a nice bright yellow.

Construction Rating: 4 out of 5

Flight:
Prepping for the flight can be a little tricky. You have to roll up the parachute tightly and fit in the motor mount. The streamer for the motor mount is also tucked next to the motor tube. Be sure not to wrap the parachute or the streamer around the motor tube as they may not open up if you do that.

The flight was straight and true. The pyramid boosted well on the D12-3. It had a little spin after burn out and looked cool doing it. It should really fly well on an F12 or E11.

Recovery:
The recovery was nice and easy. The pyramid uses rear ejection. The motor mount and parachute are ejected out the rear. The motor mount comes down on a streamer and the pyramid on a parachute.

I was a little worried that the point of the pyramid would get damaged on landing, but the pyramid came down in soft soil and there was not even a scratch.

Flight Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary:
This is a nice kit and is different from your normal 3FNC. It can be a little challenge to build but take your time. It is a nice addition to any rocket fleet.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

Other Reviews
  • Sunward Aerospace Khufu's Pyramid By Matt Gillard

    Brief: Khufu's Pyramid is a high drag pyramid rocket that flys on 24mm motors. It is an unusual rocket that has a solid construction and uses a rear core ejection to recover in two pieces. It comes in a plastic bag with the usual art card. Construction: Kit consists of: 2 launch lugs 1 parachutes (18 inch) 1 2 foot length elastic shock cord 8 balsa triangles ...

Flights

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