Aerotech - ISQY Tomahawk {Kit} (89014) [1989-]

Aerotech ISQY Tomahawk

Aerotech - ISQY Tomahawk {Kit} (89014) [1989-]

Contributed by Jerry O'Sullivan

Construction Rating:
Flight Rating:
Overall Rating:

Manufacturer:	Aerotech
Style:	Sport

Rocket Pic Brief:
This is a nice semi-scale model of a sounding rocket. Decals are used for scale details like bolts, etc. so it's pretty easy to get a good looking model. Built per instructions, you can fly it on E-G engines, and of course, requires no wadding as AT kits use an effective baffle system.

Construction:
Construction is easy although I modified the kit to accept an altimeter bay built into the coupler for dual deployment and replaced the elastic shock cord with tubular Kevlar from Pratt Hobbies. This model gets up there on G's so the altimeter helps with the small fields around here.

Finishing:
I like to fill the spiral grooves (which, on this kit were pretty small) with lightweight vinyl spackle - you can smooth it with your finger and a light sanding leaves a nice smooth finish. AT provides a detailed blueprint, suitable for framing, as a guide to place decals - a GREAT addition if for nothing other than the cool factor!!

Construction Rating: 4 out of 5

Flight:
So far, only the 1 flight - I used the altimeter (a Gwiz Deluxe unit from Pratt Hobbies) and for motor an Econojet F20-4. I chose the 4 sec delay cause even though this thing's small, it's pretty heavy - maybe 20-24 oz with chutes & payload and for a 1st flight I definitely wanted backup. The takeoff was great - nice gradual acceleration and gentle arc into the wind. The motor ejection went 1st, right at apogee, with the altimeter charge just a fraction of a sec later. With the rocket now under the main, I wasn't concerned whether the 2nd charge at 300' went off, but it did, gently landing the model a few yards away from the pad. Now it's time to paint and decal and fly on something a little larger:))

Rocket Pic

Flight Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary:
Kudos to Aerotech for designing well engineered, sturdy, fast and easy to build mid-power kits. The only criticism I'd offer is the elastic shock cord, but since that's easily and inexpensively remedied, it's a minor issue. I'll be first in line when their 3 & 4" kits come out.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

Other Reviews

Aerotech ISQY Tomahawk By Barry Harmon (November 6, 2012)
This is Aerotech\'s semi-scale model of the IQSY Tomahawk sounding rocket. Components The kit includes: 1 slotted body tube 1 payload section Plastic nosecone 4 plastic fins 2 FIN-LOK rings 29mm motor tube 2 centering rings Tube coupler Bulkhead 2 screw eyes Motor hook Ejection gas baffle Stainless mesh \"wadding\" Thrust ...
Aerotech ISQY Tomahawk By John Coker (January 20, 2012)
The AeroTech I.Q.S.Y. Tomahawk kit was the third rocket I build and the first mid-power one. This is AeroTech kit #89014. Kit information and a full-size picture of the front of the package is here as well as a very nice drawing of the rocket by G. Harry Stine. The Tomahawk is a scale rocket, although it's clear the kit isn't meant for meticulous scalers. Finish is rough in some places ...
Aerotech ISQY Tomahawk By Kevin Fisher
Brief: This was my first Aerotech rocket. I found it easy enough for a rocketeer that has built 5 or so smaller rockets. This is a good rocket it you are just getting into the Aerotech Engines or not familiar with CA glue. It is NOT staged but has an 18 inch 'chute. On a F25, It goes about 1500 feet. Construction: All the parts were there and none were broken. The packaging is GREAT. It ...
Aerotech ISQY Tomahawk By Paul Gray
(by Paul Gray) Background There have been many rockets named "Tomahawk" used over the past few decades. This Tomahawk was built and flown during the International Quiet Sun Year (1967) to research the Earth's atmosphere. Therefore, this Tomahawk sounding rocket is known as the IQSY Tomahawk, marking the time when it was built and flown. The real IQSY Tomahawk was produced ...
Aerotech ISQY Tomahawk By Neil Thompson
( Contributed - by Neil Thompson) Brief: A nice scale model by Aerotech consisting of 1 stage, a nice nylon parachute, and through the wall fins. Construction: 2 tubes, 1 main, one payload section. 4 fins, 2 centering rings, made of Aerofiber. I do not know the lenth of the shock cord or motor mount, but I am guessing 6 ft, and 2 Ft. respectivly. PROs: Easy build Good ...

Flights

Comments:

E.M. (June 1, 1999)

This is a good beginner model if you want to get into bigger than D engine power. I must say I am extremely impressed with AeroTech. High impact plastic, precut slotted fin mounts and baffle system (NO Wadding!) made for satisfying assembly. AeroTech uses the FinLok system. The fins lock into rings that fit around the engine mount. This rocket has the look and feel of quality not found in many sport rocket kits and the price tag is justifiable.

J.T.S. (July 1, 1999)

The IQSY Tomahawk was my first step up from "Model" rocketry toward "High Power". Though technically a mid power, I have seen this model accept a low power H motor (29mm) with very little mod. My sample was missing half of the building instructions. This really didn't prove to be a problem. This kit is so well laid out that I had no trouble figuring out the const. sequence. (Some time later I happened on a set of instructions and found I was on the money.) My motor of preference was the F25. Great flights, hot off the pad. I had used both single use and reloads with great success. On one occasion I loaded what must have been a G miss labeled as an F25. Performance was remarkable to say the least. I had about 30 or so flights on this bird when it met its demise. A typical launch on a single use F25 cut short when a defect in the motor caused the ejection charge to fire immediately after power burnout. Needless to say, a recovery system deployment at this speed proved disastrous.! I fully intend to build another and highly recommend this kit to anyone looking to step up from the Estes/Quest ranks. Aerotech gets an A+ on this one.

T.K. (December 1, 2000)

When installing and gluing the fins, I found it much easier to apply the necessary force, without crumpling the whole rocket,"BY INSERTING A MOTOR FIRST". This allows you to really push the fins into the locking tabs without any fear of hurting the rocket.

D.L. (May 16, 2004)

I followed the suggestion to insert and engine before attaching fins and the body tube looked much better than others i have seen. First launch on F25-9 went well so second was on G40-10W. That white lightening looked great since it burns for 3 seconds. Much smoke and great photos.

Post a Comment