Brief:
This is an all composite, very high performance kit. This is a sport scale model of the Thiokol Nike Apache that could be modified for two stage operation. This is not an all inclusive kit as it does not contain any recovery hardware. While the low part count and fin can construction would almost place this rocket in the E2X class, don't be fooled. Flying this kit deserves a big motor and as such, requires you to figure out how to handle deployment so you can get it back.

Construction:
The parts list:

• 1 4" G-10 Booster Airframe
• 1 38mm G-10 Booster Airframe
• 1 54mm G-10 Motor Mount
• 1 Fiberglass Conical Nosecone
• 1 Fiberglass Transition
• 1 Fiberglass Bulkhead
• 2 Fiberglass Centering Rings
• 1 Carbon Fiber Apache Fin Can
• 1 Carbon Fiber Nike Fin Can

No instructions were included, however, if you are building a 54mm kit and need directions, this is the wrong kit for you. This kit goes together so easily you could practically build it on the field if you brought some milled fiberglass and 30 min epoxy. Some would be put off by this, but I do not think this is an issue. Anyone flying a rocket of this size should be able to intuitively assemble it. About the only thing that was touchy is the upper transition joint required some serious sanding.

You should note that the fin cans and transition are gel coated and this material does chip if dropped on a hard surface.

During construction you need to decide how to install your recovery components. I chose a U-bolt to the forward CR and Steel cable to the edge of the airframe.

Instead of using the bulkhead to close the transition, I cut a 3" hole in the center and used it as a mounting point for an electronics sled. This allowed me to configure it for dual deploy. Instead of the traditional dual deploy, I designed around the Defy Gravity Tether for use in their reefed main scheme.

Finishing:
Once again this is for the experienced builder. There is no directions nor are there any decals. I would have found it nice to have a scaleable picture of the Thiokol symbol and scale data on the Apache lettering. I consulted Rockets Of The World and used the paint scheme for the Keweenaw range which was a white booster with a red fin can. The Apache itself is all silver. This was a basic spray paint over primer job.

Construction Rating: 4 out of 5

Flight:
I flew this at NERRF in June of 2005 for my NAR L2 certification. There are no recommended motors, however, if you are going to buy something like this, you probably want to give it a swift kick. I flew it to just over 3000' on a J350W. It leapt off the pad with the characteristic White Lightning plume and I chickened out on DD for certification, I went with a long delay and a smallish parachute with motor ejection deployment. I connected the steel cable to the upper section with 20' of 9/16" tubular nylon, added a Nomex® sheet, and a 48" PML parachute.

This is a very overstable rocket and is prone to slight weathercocking.

Recovery:
Here I'm reviewing myself as the kit itself has no provision for recovery. Your experiences may differ. The recovery system is all mine and I have flown it with motor recovery as well as with the Defy Gravity reefed main. Both work great.

Flight Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:
PROs: Nice looking, lightweight rocket.

Cons: None

Keep in mind this kit while it is deceptively simple, it is not for the rookie. Designing a good recovery system will require some thought.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5