Brief:
Modified to incorporate anti-zipper design.
Modifications:
This modification doesn't require any special tools, however, it does require an Aerotech 1.9" coupler. First, I used a hacksaw to gently cut the airframe into two parts, the lower part of the airframe with the fin slots should be 10.5" long. Then I tossed aside the engine retaining hook and used a 29mm Slimline motor retainer which fit perfectly inside the airframe. Follow the Aerotech instructions on how to attach the motor mount to the baffle flange and the fin lock system, but make sure you shift the fin lock rings to accommodate the Slimline motor retainer. Before you insert the motor mount assembly into the airframe, slide the coupler (it's four inches long) over the motor mount then cap the motor mount tube with the Aerotech Baffle. Use 5 minute epoxy to glue the top lip of the coupler to the bottom of the flange, then use the epoxy to glue two inches of the coupler inside the top of the airframe. After that, you can glue in your fins (I used West Epoxy because I wanted this thing to be tough) and complete the build of the rocket. For final touches, I used a small X-form chute and didn't cement the nose cone onto the airframe; instead I used three small self-tapping screws to attach the nose cone, thus allowing for less drift during recovery and easy maintenance of the shock cord system.
Construction:
The Aerotech Mustang is a nice, simple design with robust materials for its size. However, I found that the stock rocket was prone to zippers, so I decided to modify it to incorporate the anti-zipper design.
Finishing:
As you can see, the rocket looks great. Finish pretty much goes as it does for the stock version.
Flight:
Any of the recommended motors that Aerotech lists in its materials for the Mustang can be used. I used F22-5Js (RMS) and the rocket flew and recovered like a dream. The Mustang is a great flyer in its stock mode, but with West Epoxy and an anti-zipper design, this rocket should last for quite a long time.
4/24/04 - I flew an Aerotech F20-7 Econojet in the Mustang at Whitakers, NC, and the flight was beautiful. The rocket arched over at apogee and ejected the X-form chute which deployed immediately. The chute brought the rocket down near the launch pad even in a stiff breeze. The West Epoxy constructed fin can and the 5 coats of clear coat stood up to the quick landing without a single mark. Excellent flight for a fantastic flying rocket. An old-timer LCO said when she launched, "Well folks, we're in for a treat! The Aerotech Mustang is my favorite rocket because she always flies nicely." Well, this anti-zipper modified rocket did nothing to disappoint any of the spectators!
Other Reviews
- Aerotech Mustang By Mark Fisher
Aerotech has long been known to high power rocketeers for their fine motors and sturdy kits, but not too many model rocketeers have used their products. They're a lot more expensive than the average entry level stuff; the Initiator start set isn't cheap (Discount Rocketry has it for a reasonable $115.95), nor is their Interlock Launch Controller if purchased separately (I paid $39.95 for mine, ...
- Aerotech Mustang By Kris Henderson
Brief: This is a basic 4FNC kit that flies on 29mm and 24mm motors. Construction: The kit contains one thick body tube with pre-cut fin slots and pre-cut slots for launch lugs, 4 trapezoidal plastic fins with modified double wedge airfoil, 29mm motor mount, 24mm motor adapter, plastic nose cone, long shock cord, and 16" chute. THe kit des not include a payload section. ...
- Aerotech Mustang By Darwin May
The Mustang is a single stage mid power rocket. The Mustang was my first mid power and first Aerotech kit. I opened the box to find one tube, a 5:1 ogive nosecone, 4 trapezoidal fins, and a beefy motor mount. The centering rings were made of black fiber material, very stiff. The shock cord was about 6' long. The nose was made out of plastic and was tethered to the end of the MMT by the ...
- Aerotech Mustang By Andy Tate
( Contributed - by Andy Tate - 04/10/02) Brief: Single stage mid power parachute recovery kit. Construction: Kit includes 4 "Trapezoidal with modified double wedge airfoil" fins, 1.9" body tube, Aero-Fibre" centering rings, 5:1 ogive nose cone, 6' elastic shock cord, and nylon parachute. This is extremely easy to put together. The instructions are clear ...
- Aerotech Mustang By Carl Tulanko
The Aerotech Mustang is a Sport model using a 1.9" body tube and is 32" in length. It has a four fin configuration and has been designed to handle motors from the E thru G range. Aerotech kits are like the Cadillac of model rockets and this one is no different. High quality components and rugged yet simple design are what you expect to see when purchasing one of these kits. Thick walled ...
- Aerotech Mustang By David Kneble
( Contributed - by David Andrew Kneble - 07/20/01) Brief: The Mustang is a rugged single stage mid-power rocket. It is easy to construct and flies on a wide range of motors from D-G. it is a perfect rocket for someone trying to get into the world of mid-power rocketry. Construction: The Mustang consists of a 24mm motor adapter tude, adapter rings, an E spacer tube, a thrust ring, ...
- Aerotech Mustang By David Urbanek
Brief: Good entry level rocket for Mid-Power. There's one on every shelf on every hobby shop in America. Construction: Solid stuff through out. Thick body tube, plastic fins, plastic motor mount cage. It has a baffle and a motor clip. Initially I thought about deleting the motor clip so I could use H motors in it. Typical lack of perspective thought. I'm glad I ...
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