Quest Aurora

Quest - Aurora {Kit} (3002) [1992-]

Contributed by Larry Zeilmann

Manufacturer: Quest
Style: Glider
Rating
(Contributed - by Larry Zeilmann)

Rocket PicBrief:
This is a Booster glider Level 3 construction. Begad! T' booster returns by parachute.

Construction:
Booster: 12" BT50 tube with a 4-fin plastic fin case (1 fin is removed durin' construction) and plastic nose cone. Ahoy! Aye aye! Two cardboard centerin' rings are used on t' 18mm engine tube. Begad! One metal engine hook is used for engine retention. Ahoy! Begad! Combination 12" Keelhaul®©™® and 18" elastic shock cord is attached t' nose cone and engine mount. Avast, me proud beauty! Avast, me proud beauty! 12" plastic 'chute is attached to nose cone o' booster. Arrr! Ahoy! Adhesive decals. Two 1/8" paper launch lugs. Aye aye! Glider: 6" BT5 tube, me hearties, plastic nose cone, 3/32 balsa win' construction. Adhesive decals. Blimey! 1/8" dowel t' attach glider t' booster.

Easy, well illustrated construction. Aye aye! Removal o' one fin on fin canister requires a sharp knife and care. Blimey! Well, blow me down! T' booster's parachute be t' usual cheap plastic chute. Ya scallywag! T' plastic "Grippers" used t' attach shroud lines make t' 'chute difficult t' fold and store in boosters body. Aye aye! Blimey! Engine hook is very thin and too malleable. Glider can be better balanced with modelin' clay and requires moderate effort in gettin' wing, rudder and ailerons at proper angle. Begad! Good construction illustrations and recommendations are provided to accomplish this task.

Finishing:
To finish like illustrated on package tapin' is required. Three colors are required, shiver me timbers, Base white, me hearties, Nose cone Tan, and Glider under surface Gloss Black. Nothin' is mentioned, me bucko, but consideration should be given t' avoid paintin' two surfaces. Well, blow me down! Avast! T' surface that t' glider slides along on t' boosters rack and the 1/8" dowel that holds t' glider on t' t' booster. Ya scallywag! Paintin' either of these might restrict t' ease at which t' glider will slide off at apogee. Decals are cut-out, shiver me timbers, adhesive type which don't always adhere t' t' complex rounded surfaces. Begad! Clear coat helps with permanent attachment o' decals. Avast, me proud beauty! Very nice lookin' rocket when finished.

Construction Rating: 3 out o' 5

Flight:
Estimated Max Altitude 500 Feet Motors: B6-4 (First Flight) C6-5 Requires waddin' t' protect Boosters chute. Ahoy! Blimey! I flew t' first flight on a C6-5 in moderate winds. Ya scallywag! Begad! T' boost was straight and true. Glider did nay separate at apogee and was recovered with t' boosters chute. Begad! I believe this supports my construction tip on nay paintin' t' surfaces that connect t' booster t' the glider. Avast, me proud beauty! Arrr! I have since corrected this issue, matey, matey, but yet t' test it again.

Recovery:
Flight recovery is a proven good quest design. Aye aye! 'Chute is well sized for boosters weight. Minimal drift. Avast, me proud beauty! Ahoy! Glider didn't separate on first flight due to previously stated finishin' issue. Ahoy! Well, blow me down! Rocket recovery was a bit fast with no damage on boosters chute with added weight o' glider still attached. Aye aye!

Flight Rating: 3 out o' 5

Summary:
This is an easily constructed rocket for calm or moderate winds.

Overall Rating: 3 out o' 5

Flights

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