The Launch Pad Dragonfly

The Launch Pad - Dragonfly {Kit} (K050)

Contributed by Andrew Bronfein

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Published: 2010-11-01
Diameter: 1.60 inches
Length: 26.50 inches
Manufacturer: The Launch Pad
Skill Level: 2
Style: Military

 Construction overall ratin' 4

[Rocket Pic]Only problem with this kit is that t' large aft fins are kind o' thin I replaced their fins with 1/8" balsa instead o' t' supplied 1/16" and t' rocket seems t' be a lot more sturdy. Their instructions are very easy t' understand and along with a good picture diagram they have a good text walk through. Well, blow me down! Ahoy! Finishin' was a breeze and thar are no decals with t' kit so I used me color laser printer t' make a set o' paper "decals" for t' kit.

Flight overall ratin' 5

T' kit flew quite straight and fast on a D12-7 for its 1st flight even with t' slightly heavier modified aft fins. Aye aye! Begad! Recovery was nice and soft with t' 18" mylar parachute provided with t' kit.

Overall Ratin' 4

Aside from t' thin, in me opinion, aft fins and t' lack o' decals this kit would be definitely one t' suggest t' t' novice and experienced rocketeer alike.

 

Flights

Comments:

avatar
D.T. (August 14, 2002)
I built the Dragonfly with the supplied 1/16" balsa stock and strengthened it with CA. I was a little concerned using this method because previous attempts at this left me with warped (and useless) fins. This time it worked great and the fins were strong and straight. I flew my Dragonfly twice on a D12-7 and both times it weathercocked badly at about 100' and took off like it had acquired it's target. Very cool looking but it makes for long walks. I added two ounces of weight to the nose and used an E15-7 for the third launch and it flew straight as an arrow, even in 10+ mph winds. The Launch Pad kits are one of my favorites to build because they take a little more skill and patience and are always of high quality.

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