Brief:
This is a new style UFO from Art Applewhite Rockets. It is a flying cone. This is the 13mm version. There are 13mm, 18mm, 24mm and 29mm versions available as well as several colors. Mine is the florescent yellow color.

Construction:
This kit included the top sections, reinforcing strips, nose cone shock cord anchor, thrust ring, nose cone base, bottom, motor mount and nose cone tubes and a thin elastic 24 inch shock cord.

The instructions consisted of four sheets of paper with black and white construction photos and were very easy to understand after I reviewed them a few times.

To assemble this cone, you'll need a pair of scissors, an exacto knife with a #11 blade, some white glue, some 5 minute epoxy and some sandpaper.

The construction starts with cutting out the nose cone from the card stock that is was printed on. I then cut out the launch lug holes and then glued the cone together with my usual Pica Gluit.

I cut out the nose cone base and the rocket bottom out from the foam board at this time. I sanded the edges smooth. You now make an angled cut on the nose cone base. This is a rather tricky step so take your time. I now cut out the opening for the nose cone tube.

I now assembled the nose cone assembly. It is assembled by tying a knot in the shock cord and sliding the nose cone base onto the 14mm nose cone tube and wedging the shock cord between them.

I then mixed up some cheap Locktite 5 minute epoxy that I picked up at a local grocery store and glued the assembly together. The instructions warn that the assembly may get warm as the epoxy cures but also assures you that this is OK.

You now assemble the bottom of the rocket by cutting out the motor mount hole and launch lug slot and then gluing the 13mm motor mount tube into the bottom. I now cut out the thrust ring. I must admit that this is the first time I've heard of a paper thrust ring as well as using one. I then rolled it into a tight coil as recommended. You then apply glue to it, then insert it into the motor mount and position it using an expended motor casing.

I cut out the cone top, the top seam and the crescent shape at this time. The top is a bit tricky to form but I didn't really have any problems. After I glued the top together, I glued the reinforcing strip flush with the bottom of the cone.

I glued the nose cone assembly into the top at this time. I then assembled the shock cord mount, waited for it to dry and attached it to finish the construction.

PROS: Easy and quick construction.

CONS: None

Finishing:
There is no finishing required for this rocket due to the pre-colored card stock. The instructions do recommend spraying the cone with clear spray enamel to protect the card stock from moisture although if you have the Mirror Gold version, then no spray enamel is required.

I decided to spray on about two light coats of Ace brand clear enamel to finish the rocket.

PROS: Very easy to finish.

CONS: None that I can think of.

Construction Rating: 5 out of 5

Flight:
The recommended motors for this cone are the 1/2A3-2T, A3-4T, A10-3T, all Estes 13mm mini motors. They are friction fitted.

You prep this rocket by inserting the shock cord between the two sections, making sure that it isn't interfering with the launch lug holes. Because of this, no recovery wadding is needed and under normal circumstances, the ejection gas shouldn't ever come into contact with the shock cord.

For the first flight, I used a 1/2A3-2T. I also used a full turn of masking tape to secure it.

The cone went straight up to maybe 75 feet or so, arced over and popped the ejection charge which sounded like a gunshot, tumbled down and landed safely.

I then used an A10-3T. I didn't notice much of an altitude increase but I did notice a speed increase. Recovery went as planned.

The next two flights were from my front yard, I used another 1/2A3-2T which gave a good flight and the cone landed safely across the street in a neighbor's yard.

I used an A3-4T next. This also gave a great flight. The cone flew straight up, arced, then ejected with the typical gunshot ejection, please do keep this in mind if you launch this in a residential area. The cone proceeded to bounce off a friend's pickup truck, OOPS, (sorry Dan, I'll do the explaining if necessary) and came to rest in my driveway.

The next flight was on another A10-3T. Another great flight.

PROS: Great, low altitude flyer, a nice way to turn your front or backyard into a launch site.

CONS: None.

Recovery:
This rocket separates into two sections at ejection and both of them are connected with the elastic shock cord and the whole assembly tumbles back to earth. It is sufficient for this rocket.

PROS: Quick, easy and safe recovery.

CONS: None

Flight Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary:
I really liked this kit a lot. It is a very nice flyer and I didn't think that a card stock and foam board rocket could be so much fun to build and fly. I plan to get the 24 mm Mirror Gold version next. I highly recommend these kits. This kit costs $5.00 direct from Art Applewhite rockets.

Main PROS: Everything about this kit is great, nuff said.

Main CONS: None.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5