Binder Design IRIS (54mm)

Binder Design - IRIS 54mm {Kit}

Contributed by Francis I. Reachmack

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Overall Rating: starstarstarstar_borderstar_border
Manufacturer: Binder Design

Rocket PicBrief:
Single motor, scale of early 60's sounding rocket. No special features, just for rocket launching fun!

Construction:
All aspects of packaging, instructions, illustrations, etc., were good. No problems understanding the construction process and building the kit. The one major glitch with the particular kit I received was the fins. Not only were all 4 (3/16 plywood) fins warped, but the outboard and trailing edges were not cut true. I needed to acquire new wood and remake all 4 fins.

Finishing:
The supplied vinyl graphic decals are most superb! This rocket took 1st place at the Arizona State Fair 1999.

Construction Rating: 4 out of 5

Flight:
Used an Aerotech K185. This was an extremely hot motor for this rocket, but the performance was outstanding! It flew straight as an arrow. Motor was retained with the common masking tape friction method.

Recovery:
I modified the rocket to separate into two upon ejection, with two separate 'chutes. This was to minimize damage to airframe when halves can sometimes bump each other immediately following ejection. Recovery was flawless.

Flight Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary:
Binder Design needs to ensure the materials are of usable quality before they are shipped. (fins)

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5

Other Reviews
  • Binder Design IRIS (54mm) By Kent Newman

    ( Contributed - by Kent Newman - 03/01/02) The Rocket One of the highest flying, straightest trajectory and coolest Estes rockets I ever had was the "Iris". The medium body length and four big fins of this rocket resulted in one great flight after another. Scaled after an early 60's sounding rocket, Binder Design has another excellent kit for those that like to build sport ...

Flights

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