Manufacturer: | Scratch |
Brief:
An Approx. 2X upscale of the Centuri MACH 10 (Mig 15 Jet
looking) Boost Glider made around 1972. Recovery is glide with jettisoned nose
cone using streamer or small parachute.
Construction:
This rocket is easy to build and should be no problem to anyone who has scratch
built before. There are no items that need special attention as construction is
straight forward with no surprises. Wing and vertical fin alignment is best
accomplished using a centering line drawn on main tube. This is a very sturdy
model and by experience can take a lot of abuse. No special tools are needed.
Supplies came from scrap balsa and tubes and nose cones I already had on hand.
Painted it Bright Metallic Silver, and added Red Monocote stars to add to the
Korean War Mig 15 look. Filled balsa with Model Sanding Sealer Dope.
Flight:
The original MACH 10 used 18mm "C" motors and I used 24mm
"D" motor for the upscale (D12-0 or D12-3 works fine). Small tube
with nose cone needs wadding as usual to protect streamer/parachute. Motor
retention is a standard Estes clip. The model flew very straight off the rod
and during climb. At burnout, the nose cone ejected and the glide started. The
glide is fast as it is with the small MACH 10, although the upscale seems to
have a little more stability; probably due to the larger wing and tail surface
area. The model came in very steep in a tight left turn on first flight. The
landing was a "Lawn-Dart" type. Although it stuck in the ground there
was no discernible damage. The model can take a good lick and come back for
more.
Summary:
I really like this rocket; it is great looking and is a departure from the norm
and nostalgic. Pros: Fun to build, nostalgic, good looking, different, tough,
and a real attention getter. Cons: Takes some patience getting it trimmed and
the glide is a bit fast.
Other:
I replaced the "Fixed" elevator system with an active one due to
experience with the small MACH 10. I made an elastic operated elevator that
goes to a neutral position during takeoff, and deploys to the up position at
motor burnout. This makes for a more desirable launch and climb out. Works very
well by the way.
B rief: I began building upscale versions of classic kits more out of necessity than for a desire for bigger rockets. I found early on that while a lot of the nose cones for the old kits that I wanted to recreate were no longer available in the 1:1 size, they were occasionally available in larger sizes. (They weren't always exact replicas, but close enough for me.) The Estes Rogue and Satellite ...
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