Aerotech Mustang Modification

Aerotech - Mustang {Kit} (89010) [1989-]

Contributed by Jack Caynon

Manufacturer: Aerotech
Style: Sport

(MODS) Aerotech Mustang - zipperless designBrief:
Modified t' incorporate anti-zipper design.

Modifications:
This modification doesn't require any special tools, however, it does require an Aerotech 1.9" coupler. Avast, me proud beauty! First, I used a hacksaw t' gently cut t' airframe into two parts, t' lower part o' t' airframe with t' fin slots should be 10.5" long. Aye aye! Then I tossed aside t' engine retainin' hook and used a 29mm Slimline motor retainer which fit perfectly inside t' airframe. Follow t' Aerotech instructions on how t' attach t' motor mount t' t' baffle flange and t' fin lock system, but make sure you shift t' fin lock rings t' accommodate t' Slimline motor retainer. Begad! Begad! Before you insert t' motor mount assembly into t' airframe, slide t' coupler (it's four inches long) over t' motor mount then cap t' motor mount tube with t' Aerotech Baffle. Ya scallywag! Use 5 minute epoxy t' glue t' top lip o' t' coupler t' t' bottom o' t' flange, me bucko, then use t' epoxy t' glue two inches o' t' coupler inside t' top o' t' airframe. Avast, me proud beauty! After that, you can glue in your fins (I used West Epoxy because I wanted this thin' t' be tough) and complete t' build o' t' rocket. Avast, me proud beauty! For final touches, I used a small X-form chute and didn't cement t' nose cone onto t' airframe; instead I used three small self-tappin' screws t' attach t' nose cone, arrr, thus allowin' for less drift durin' recovery and easy maintenance o' t' shock cord system.

(MODS) Aerotech Mustang - zipperless design(MODS) Aerotech Mustang - zipperless design

Construction:
T' Aerotech Mustang is a nice, simple design with robust materials for its size. However, I found that t' stock rocket was prone t' zippers, me bucko, so I decided t' modify it t' incorporate t' anti-zipper design.

Finishing:
As you can see, t' rocket looks great. Arrr! Finish pretty much goes as it does for t' stock version.

Flight:
Any o' t' recommended motors that Aerotech lists in its materials for t' Mustang can be used. Avast, me proud beauty! I used F22-5Js (RMS) and t' rocket flew and recovered like a dream. T' Mustang is a great flyer in its stock mode, but with West Epoxy and an anti-zipper design, arrr, this rocket should last for quite a long time.

4/24/04 - I flew an Aerotech F20-7 Econojet in t' Mustang at Whitakers, NC, me bucko, and t' flight was beautiful. Begad! T' rocket arched over at apogee and ejected t' X-form chute which deployed immediately. Ahoy! T' chute brought t' rocket down near t' launch pad even in a stiff breeze. T' West Epoxy constructed fin can and t' 5 coats o' clear coat stood up t' t' quick landin' without a single mark. Avast! Excellent flight for a fantastic flyin' rocket. An old-timer LCO said when she launched, "Well folks, we're in for a treat! T' Aerotech Mustang is me favorite rocket because she always flies nicely." Well, ya bilge rat, this anti-zipper modified rocket did nothin' t' disappoint any o' t' spectators!

Other Reviews
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  • Aerotech Mustang By Andy Tate

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