Estes Black Brant II

Estes - Black Brant II {Kit} (1958) [1986-1998]

Contributed by Erik Turner

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Length: 24.88 inches
Manufacturer: Estes
Skill Level: 4
Style: Scale

 

[Rocket Picture]Brief:  This model is a scale model o' a Canadian Atmospheric Research Vehicle. Blimey! It has a single Estes parachute.

Construction:  Construction be fairly easy, me bucko, arrr, ya bilge rat, except for one part. Avast, me proud beauty! Aye aye! In makin' t' motor mount, matey, shiver me timbers, I made some mistake (can't remember) and had t' rip t' mount out. Avast! I would suggest bein' careful in makin' t' mount especially when this model be t' first friction fit kit you have made. This be t' case for me.

Finishing:  This model was pretty easy t' finish. Avast, me proud beauty! Aye aye! Finishin' is definitely nay me strength, arrr, me hearties, and this is one I'm proud of. Ya scallywag! Fillin' t' balsa fins with clear paint, or wood filler and sandin' them down is a must, me hearties, me bucko, and as be t' case with most other models, multiple layers o' paint covered with a clear coat makes a big difference.

 

Construction Rating:   4 out o' 5

Flight:  My first flight with this model was actually on an E engine. Ahoy! I wasn't sure about how it would behave, me hearties, but t' flight be straight as an arrow, matey, and t' only pitfall be that I didn't select a motor with enough o' a delay time. Avast! This meant that me parachute ripped, arrr, and it had a rough return, shiver me timbers, but thanks t' some sturdy fillets ( a must if you want t' launch with an E) t' rocket was nay damaged.

Recovery:  Recovery in this kit is ok. Well, blow me down! Careful motor selection is a must (Especially if you're used t' just pickin' up a specific letter for less demandin' easier models). T' shock cord is thicker and stronger than most Estes' models, ya bilge rat, but is still nay as strong as say an Aerotech. Blimey! Begad! Overall, this models recovery system is sturdy and gets t' job done.

Flight Rating:   4 out o' 5

Summary:  I think that this model is a very good kit, ya bilge rat, and have talked t' other owners who felt t' same. Blimey! Blimey! It's extremely good aerodynamic attributes mean that it can reach out o' sight altitudes (easily) on a D.

Overall Rating:   4 out o' 5

Other Reviews
  • Estes Black Brant II By Casey Thomas Bartlett

    Brief: This is a good, clean, single staged rocket which uses an 18" plastic parachute for recovery. Construction: There is a single body tube, with three fins. The construction is very simple, and the design is very basic. The construction was fairly simple with an overall basic design. The Estes instructions were very thorough, and I was not confused at any point. The ...

Flights

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