The Atlantic Rockets Atmospheric Sounding Projectile (A.S.P.) is considered a Large Model Rocket (LMR) and is designed to use composite E & F Motors. It is an impressive model when assembled, 2.6" diameter and 50" long. If you are thinking about trying something a little larger than Estes has to offer, this could be a kit for you.

CONSTRUCTION: ( 4 points) 

Quality: The overall parts quality was very good. The kit uses Estes style BT-80 tubing, plywood centering rings and machine cut balsa fins - all very good. The one weak point I found in the components was the BT couplers. They were not the standard heavy cardboard usually seen in BT80 kits, they were a section of BT that had been cut and sized to fit the ID of the tube. They worked alright but I prefer the heavy cardboard couplers and would substitute them on the next kit.

Packaging: All parts were in the kit and all arrived in good condition. 

Instructions: The instructions consist of 2 pages of text and one page of well done drawings. The instructions are well written and anyone that's a bit familiar with model rocket kits model rocket kits should have no trouble. This is in no way a beginners model, so if the instructions don't make sense build a few more models before taking on this kit.

Ease of Build: I used epoxy (5 & 12 minute) for all construction. The instructions suggest that you consider this if you plan on using F motors. The kit assembly is very straight forward with no especially difficult parts.

Finishing: When all the epoxy had set, I used Fill -n- Finish to blend the launch lug into the body tube. The fins were sealed with finishing resin and sanded with 400 grit. The model was primed with Pactra Prep Surfacer/Primer. I painted the model in a color scheme from Peter Alway's "Rockets of the World", Operation Redwing. I was very pleased with the overall look of the finished rocket!

FLIGHT/RECOVERY: ( 4 points)

Flying: I chose an Aerotech E15-4 Single Use Motor for the first flight. The motor lit on the first try and the rocket flew beautiful! A relatively slow lift-off and straight flight to 600 - 700 feet. The 4 second delay proved to be just about perfect. Atlantic suggests the following motors for this rocket: E15-4 SU or E11-3, E18-4, or F24-7 for the Aerotech 24mm RMS.Atlantic writes that an F24 will put this bird up to 850'

Recovery: The supplied chute seems to have a proper decent rate. The Pratt Hobbies Nomex® Chute Protector (re-usable cloth to replace the need for wadding - not included in kit) protected the recovery system perfectly. I did notice a small mark on the edge of the BT that could be either a NC hit or landing damage. 

OVERALL: ( 4 points) 

I really like this rocket! It's the perfect companion for an Aerotech 24mm RMS Case. The fire, smoke & noise of composite motors in a model that's well at home at many smaller flying sites. If I were to suggest areas for improvement: better tube couplers & show an example of a simple motor retention system. I installed 2 4-40 blind nuts in the lower centering ring and use metal clips to retain the motor.

The kit retails for $26.99 and is available direct from Atlantic Rockets.