Estes U.S. Army Patriot M-104 (#2056)
Estes - Patriot M104 {Kit} (2056) [2004-2010]
Contributed by Ray King
| Construction Rating: | starstarstarstarstar_border |
| Flight Rating: | starstarstarstarstar_border |
| Overall Rating: | starstarstarstarstar_border |
| Published: | 2010-08-01 |
| Diameter: | 1.64 inches |
| Length: | 21.40 inches |
| Manufacturer: | Estes  |
| Skill Level: | 1 |
| Style: | Scale |
Brief:
I built this as part of the EMRR Challenge #7 as outlined I built this exactly as the instructions specify and then built a second with my own modifications. This rocket is a Semi-Scale version of the US Army Patriot Air Defense Missile. The rocket is designed to use an 18mm engine and 12" parachute recovery.
Construction:
- 2 – BT-60 White Body Tube (6.625” Long)
- 1 - Yellow Body Tube (3.25” Long)
- 1 – Blue 18mm Engine Tube
- 1 - Nose Cone (#72057)
- 2 - Body Tube Couplers
- 1 - Launch Lug – 2.375” Long
- 1 - Std Engine Hook
- 1 - Green Engine Block
- 2 - Engine Centering Rings
- Balsa Fins (3/32” Pre-cut Sheet)
- 18” – 1/8” Shock Cord
- 12” Plastic Parachute
- Decal Sheet
I have to admit it has been a while since I built a rocket completely as the instructions specify. The construction was pretty basic and as usual the Estes instructions were very good. Nice pictures and clear explanations where necessary. This is a basic four-fin rocket with no real "Gotchas." I would recommend making a copy of pages 1 and 2 of the instructions prior to cutting out the tube marking guide. Once you do this you lose some of page 2 which could be helpful for any re-builds.
Finishing:
In this case I didn’t finish these because I ran out of time to get my review complete, so I chose to fly this naked. I did apply a couple of coats of Emery’s Wood Putty thinned with water to the tube and fins. I sanded these smooth. My plan is to paint both as the instructions outline – I will add some pictures of the painted versions to the flight log pictures.
Construction Rating: 4 out of 5
Flight:
I flew this rocket on three different engines: A8-3, B6-4 and C6-5. As I predicted, the A8-3 was scary. The rocket only flew about 100 feet, but the parachute did deploy and the rocket was recovered without damage. The B6-4 and C6-5 were much better flights. There was very little wind and on the C6-5 this rocket flies high – AWESOME!!!
Recovery:
On all three flights the recovery was prefect, as I mentioned above the A8-3 is a little weak and the parachute barely had time to open. On the C6-5, even with the 12" parachute, the rocket took about 60+ second to land.
Flight Rating: 4 out of 5
Summary:
Great Flights + Great Recovery = Great Rocket
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
Other Reviews
- Estes Patriot M104 By Bill Eichelberger (April 25, 2014)
After dodging temptation for several years, a deal on a Hobby Lobby clearance rack that I couldn't pass up made me the proud owner of an Estes Patriot M104 missile. I originally bought it figuring that I'd find a use for the nose cone on another project, but as often happens when things lay around the shop, I eventually opened it up and built it. Never one who cared for the ...
- Estes U.S. Army Patriot M-104 (#2056) By Jim Bassham (May 11, 2010)
Brief: A semi-scale model of the US Army anti-missile missile. A friend of mine said no Estes rocket built stock can survive more than twelve flights. I decided to prove him wrong with this kit. Construction: Two White Body Tubes One Yellow Body Tube Blue Motor Tube Two Red Couplers Mylar Ring Engine Hook Green Engine Block Cardboard Centering ...
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Flights
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B.S. (July 10, 2010)