Manufacturer: | Public Missiles |
Brief:
The parachute is a standard PML Nylon 'chute with a
spill hole and the decent is a little too fast. I plan to add an altimeter to
the payload to deploy an additional chute at 300'.
Construction:
There is a Quantum (plastic) tube for the body and one for the payload. Both
are pre-slotted for the fins. It has three G-10 fiberglass fins. The centering
rings are plywood and it uses a Piston ejection system. I'm not going to trust
the plastic nose cone attachment point when I use the altimeter, so I will
drill and attach some eyelet hardware.
The Instructions are incredibly easy to understand and follow. The rocket goes together as easy or easier than any rocket I have ever built. Everything fit perfectly and was just a matter of mixing a good bit of epoxy to hold it all together. The rocket is very sturdy.
I added Giant Leap Rocketry's Motor Holders for motor retention. They work great (basically Kaplow Clips) and I do not like the friction fit method (suggested by the Manufacturer).
Finishing:
I painted it with primer and then all white. I opted not to paint the fins
black as on the product cover. The decals are self-adhesive and went on in a
few minutes.
Construction Rating: 5 out of 5
Flight:
The first time I flew it was at LDRS 19 on an H180. It was about a 2000' flight
and successful recovery near the pads. I've flown it 4 more times, each on a
G80-7FWL which is the perfect motor for this rocket on a smaller field. A nice
800' flight, ejection on the top and landing near the pad.
Recovery:
The parachute brings it down a little fast so after the fifth flight the
fillets are starting to crack off. I am replacing them all with a fiberglass
cloth strip and then epoxy fillet to strengthen them. Also the inside tube is
getting a little dirty, where the piston slides, so I will clean it with some
white vinegar on a rag at the end of a stick.
Flight Rating: 4 out of 5
Summary:
It is a great kit, highly recommended. A little expensive but a great flier. I
always get lots of compliments on the looks of the rocket as I walk to the pad.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
(by Carl Tulanko) Brief: The PML Matrix is a sport rocket advertised as a meteor defense weapon with a futuristic look about it. The kit is a 3 diameter model made for H and I high-power motors and uses a 3 fin configuration, although there are twelve fins total for the model. Construction: The kit came in a bag and included all the necessary parts; 3 diamete ...
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