Physics of Flight Raptor

Physics of Flight - Raptor

Contributed by Kevin Timmins

Manufacturer: Physics of Flight
Rating
Rocket Pic (Contributed - by Kevin Timmins)

Brief:
Twin Finned design by Zigi. Made by Physics of Flight. Supplied with 29mm Mount and a 24mm adaptor for lower powered flights. The fin design of this kit is superb!. The upswept lower fins just look cool! The kit is designed for both Piston & Nomes heatshield ejection (no wadding needed).

Construction:
Kit Contents:

  • Resin Nose Cone
  • 1 x BT60 body tube
  • 1 x BT60 Payload section
  • 1 x 29mm Motor tube
  • 1 x 24mm Motor tube
  • 1 x 24mm Motor hook
  • 2 x Couplers
  • 2 x Bulkheads
  • Centering rings for 29mm mount and 24 adaptor
  • 1 x 18" Ripstop Nylon Parachute
  • 1 x Kevlar® heatshield
  • 2 sets of 3 CNC Cut Ply Fins
  • Steel Shock Cord & Elastic Shock Cord
  • Brass Crimps & Eye bolt
  • Detailed printed instructions & Fin Marking guide

I found there were a few centering rings missing initially, but a quick email to the manufacturer and a replacement set were rapidly sent out.

I began with the motor mounts. These were quite easy to construct using 30min epoxy. The steel shock cord is harnessed to the 29mm mount, and crimped in place using the supplied brass crimps, with an extra addition of epoxy just for safety.

The supplied fin marking guide was a prefect fit so tube marking was quick & simple. There are 2 Sets of through the wall fins so accuracy is quite important here. Using my Black & Decker Wizard proved the easiest way of cutting the fin slots.

I installed the 29mm mount in the body tube and checked the fins for alignment, which needed some adjustment to get a snug fit. Also I drilled a small 2mm hol in the rear centering ring, and installed a small nut on the side which would be hidden, as suggested by the previous reviewer to allow the 24mm mount to be bolted in place

The piston ejector is made from one of the couplers and requires soaking in CA to strengthen it after removing the top layer or 2 of paperwrap. This is then sanded until fine, which takes quite a while to get a good smooth finish.The bulkhead was then epoxied in place.

I set about attaching the fins, making sure they were aligned. Finally I filleted all fins using 30 min epoxy

The piston was then attached to the Steel & Elastic shock cords. I found it easier to attach this on the elastic side secured with epoxy, test fitting it in the body tube to ensure that it slid freely.

The payload section is simple. Just install the bulkhead and screw the eyebolt in place, securing it with epoxy again. Chute attachment is quick and simple.

PROS:

  • Good fin marking guide
  • Perfect cut through the wall fins
  • Very Clear Instructions.

Cons:

  • The piston assembly is a little messy with all that CA, and takes a long time to finish off smooth.
  • The supplied steel shock cord was a little too short to install as suggested. But not a major problem

Finishing:
The packaging gives an idea of how to finish the kit, but I chose to use my own scheme. Construction Yellow Nosecone & Body tube, and the payload section covered with holographic film.

The nose cone needed a little sanding to easily take the plastikote acrylic, but no other problems.

The upswept rear fins give this rocket a really cool look

Construction Rating: 4 out of 5

Flight:
As stated before this is designed for D-f powered flights, using the quickchange 24 - 29 motor adaptor.

Packed the shockcord into the body, followed by the 18" ripstop chute & lines.

First flight on a Estes D12-5, virtually no wind. Piston reovovery system deployed perfectly and the rocket was recovered approx 150m from launch pad and withough any damage.

Recovery:
Pros:

  • Piston Style recovery, also supplied with Kevlar® Heatshield if you dont want to rely on the piston. This means an end to recovery wadding!
  • Deployed perfectly using the supplied 18" chute.

Flight Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary:
Pros:

  • Beautiful design
  • Large payload section for electronics etc
  • The piston & Kevlar® recovery systems are excellent
  • Ability to choose between 24 or 29mm motors on site make this a versatile rocket.
  • This rocket performs beatifully on D motors, but should be a real winner on E-F 29mm motors.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

Other Reviews
  • Physics of Flight Raptor By Martin Sweeney

    ( Contributed - by Martin Sweeney - 01/14/03) Brief: An interesting looking kit - single stage 29 or 24mm motors with single stage parachute recovery using a floating piston. Modifications: Recovery system, and motor mount, as described below. Construction: One of Missiles for Peacefull Purposes' creations - the Raptor is a truly cool looking kit. I had seen various videos ...

Flights

comment Post a Comment