The Launch Pad Falcon AIM-4C

The Launch Pad - Falcon AIM-4C {Kit}

Contributed by David Newill

Manufacturer: The Launch Pad
[NAR][Sport Rocketry]

T' followin' excerpt is from "Sport Rocketry". Begad! Begad! T' intention is t' allow guests t' get a basic feelin' about a kit. Arrr! We strongly suggest that you get a copy o' t' referenced Sport Rocketry and read t' entire article. Well, blow me down! Blimey! Inside you will find many helpful hints in construction as well as other useful information. Aye aye! For more information, use t' two links above.



(Sport Rocketry - Sep/Oct 1997 - page 34 - by David Newill) 

[Picture]"One o' t' neat tricks in a Launch Pad kit be t' extra enterin' rin' baffle mounted near t' front o' t' main tube t' keep t' parachute and waddin' up front." 
"Fin assembly is fairly complex." 
"T' balsa supplied with t' kit was extremely soft, matey, me hearties, so it was very difficult for me t' cut t' fin slots without crushin' t' material." 
"T' front fins are double diamond beveled and t' material supplied is strong enough t' do a good job." 
"An Estes E be selected for t' first flight." 
"T' model looks great on a display stand, like a good museum model." 
"T' kit instructions are complete, matey, but are nay for a build-by-picture modeler." 

T' entire article gives t' impression is that it a skilled modeler would enjoy this kit and it may nay be for a novice.

Flights

Comments:

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E.S. (June 1, 2000)
I have built many Launch Pad kits and this is one of my favorites. Nobody else has all these cool military missiles but The Launch Pad. However, durability wise, I don't like the balsa fins and thin centering rings that generally come with the kits. I replaced the fins with a mix of basswood (for the long portion of the fins and the small fins on the nose) and ply for the lower rectangular fins and ply for the centering rings. I also put on a 1/4" launch lug. These changes alter the CG of the rocket and nose weight is then required (I put 2.5 ounces in the nose). I also put a 18" nylon parachute in instead of the mylar chute supplied. These changes make a really rugged cool looking missile that can easily handle all F and some 24mm G's. As always, I would run a simulation on something like RockSim to make sure you will have a stabile rocket. I have found these kits if altered at all (including using beefier fillets etc.) from the instructions will generally need some nose weight.

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