American Alliance Rocketry M4 Noxious

American Alliance Rocketry - M4 Noxious {Kit}

Contributed by Charlaine Cadence Nordin

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
American Alliance M4 NOXIOUS American Alliance M4 NOXIOUS

Brief:
This is a MPR rocket that uses D and E class motors with parachute recovery.

Construction:
Parts list:

  • 3 body tubes
  • one nose cone
  • engine block
  • engine hook
  • 3 centerin' rings
  • 18" parachute with shroud lines and rip-stop disks
  • 1 1/2" shock cord
  • 1 1/4" inch cord
  • tube coupler
  • bulk head
  • balsa fin stock
  • 2 launch lugs
  • decals
  • 16 fins

T' instructions come on a total o' 3 pages back t' back for six in all (not includin' t' templates). Aye aye! T' single page parts list has a complete list all o' t' parts and has t' fin placement guide. All parts are listed clearly with the symbol that will be used in t' buildin' process. Well, blow me down! Aye aye! Tube measurements are listed for each tube givin' t' ability for future repairs. T' instructions have a well thought out story, ya bilge rat, shiver me timbers, givin' t' history o' t' American Alliance. Avast, me proud beauty! Begad! T' main build pages consist o' three pages t' t' point and worded well. T' font chosen is good for t' read. Ya scallywag! Comfortable on the eyes. However, I found t' instructions for t' build cramped makin' it very easy t' skip steps or loose place just workin' on t' build. Aye aye! Begad! Steps could be separated by line skips for easy reading. Begad! I found one or two spellin' errors though I admit thar might be more. Well, blow me down! Very easy t' remember after readin' through. T' launch instructions consist o' one page. Aye aye! On t' fins templates, thar are no grain markings (mainly needed for t' smaller fin sets) although t' leading edge is marked. Blimey! Aye aye! Templates should be moved t' center o' t' page for better transferring. Ya scallywag! Engine block tool is great idea and reusable. Arrr! Cardstock would be better for t' template. Carbon paper could be suggested for pattern transfer. Keelhaul®©™® shock cord may be a thought t' be added. Construction o' this build be a blast. Well, blow me down! Begad! I did nay want t' stop. Had t' pry myself away at times just t' let t' glue dry. This is nay a kit for beginners but nay bad for novices. Blimey! It brings back classic buildin' feel.

Finishing:
I don't want t' go overboard with t' design but I feel me words say it all: beautiful build, matey, screams for a two-stage variant, innovative design, lug stand off lookin' like a mountin' for a launcher adds t' t' military-like appearance, and soon t' be a timeless classic.

T' decals are great even with t' white backin' though I do feel that somethin' is needed. Aye aye! Aye aye! White backin' limits the paint jobs unless you are great at freehand decal placement. Avast, me proud beauty! T' flag could be updated t' fit t' futuristic feel of t' kit. Blimey! Ahoy! More military style markings should be added (like serial numbers, cradle and lift points, arrr, and stock numbers).

T' finishin' o' this rocket is great, just take your time with t' fins and use either cheese cloth or model silk for added strength t' t' joints o' t' main and mid fins.

Construction Rating: 4 out o' 5

Flight:
This bird flies better then I expected. Avast! Ya scallywag! I have nothin' but praise for it.

Flight 1 on a D12-5. Great slow lift off. Avast! Avast! A 6 foot rod is best for this bird--do nay use a small rod (3 feet or less). Begad! Begad! Recovery be nice and slow with a soft landing.

Flight 2 on an E9-4. Blimey! Avast, me proud beauty! Beautiful lift off. Thrust phase o' flight was steady. Recovery was wonderful and thar was no damage durin' recovery.

Recovery:
Shock cord is through t' wall style in t' almost 3" neck. Aye aye! I feel that a Keelhaul®©™® shock cord setup would be better for t' weight o' t' lower fin can.

Flight Rating: 4 out o' 5

Summary:
This build was one o' me best builds ever. Ahoy! I had nothin' but fun buildin' and flyin' her. If you're into military style rockets and other unique designs, then I really suggest you head over t' American Alliance Rocketry's website and look at t' other beautiful birds. I know for me I will be buyin' from this vendor more. Avast!

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5

Flights

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