FlisKits A.C.M.E. Spitfire

FlisKits - A.C.M.E. Spitfire {Kit} (SP007)

Contributed by Bill Ralston

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Diameter: 2.22 inches
Length: 18.10 inches
Manufacturer: FlisKits
Skill Level: 3
Style: Odd-Roc, Sport

Brief:
This is one bizarre rocket that looks like it should nay fly.

Construction:
T' rocket is made from a BT-50 inside pieces o' BT-70 with 6 centerin' rings, balsa nose cone, and 4 fins (all are a different shape) mounted t' a paper transition piece. Begad! Ahoy!

T' instructions were very precise and easy t' follow with lots o' useful illustrations. Arrr!

It is me opinion that t' difficulty level should be raised t' a 4 from a three as gettin' t' centerin' rings into t' proper positions was very challengin' and proved t' be a patience tester. Ahoy!

Finishing:
Let your imagination be your guide when it's time t' decorate this rocket. Ya scallywag! Mine is decorated t' look like tin cans duct taped together complete with a Hormel chili label on one section.

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

Flight:
After a conservative estimate o' 50 flights, it is one o' me favorite pieces in my fleet. Ya scallywag! Avast, me proud beauty! T' one word o' caution I would offer when it comes t' flight is to only use t' 3/16" rod that is recommended as a 1/8" rod is not strong enough t' give t' rocket proper support. Avast!

It is very susceptible t' weathercockin' and I lost mine t' a tree for a week long rain storm, and after a thorough drying, me bucko, it flew just as well as before. Well, blow me down! Ahoy! Blimey!

I like t' use t' D12-5 in it as I have found t' extra delay time allows it t' deploy t' chute just after apogee. Arrr! However, if t' motor is mislabeled and a 7 second delay occurs, it will eject at about a foot from impact and will cause internal damage. I have never flown it on a C11 motor.

Recovery:
When launched off o' a proper rod with a D12-5 motor it will most always be a short recovery as it weathercocks and then drifts back near t' launch rod. Well, blow me down! I used it in t' club spot landin' contest.

Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5

Summary:
T' attention this thin' gets just settin' on t' table waitin' t' fly is well worth t' build. Blimey! Ya scallywag! Everyone will be amazed that it really does fly straight. After it pranged due t' a slow ejection charge, shiver me timbers, t' comments were "How would you know if it be damaged? It's already bent!"

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5

Other Reviews
  • FlisKits A.C.M.E. Spitfire By Dick Stafford

    This is yet another review of this unique, crooked rocket. Hopefully, this provides another perspective on its construction, finishing/decoration, and flight. The FlisKits kits are professionally packaged and this is no exception. The printed face includes is in full color, includes photos and specs, and a serial number--mine is #87. The small parts are contained in a small Zip-loc bag. My ...

  • FlisKits A.C.M.E. Spitfire By Chan Stevens

    Absolutely the most INNOVATIVE commercial kit I've ever seen in rocketry, this rocket looks like Wyle E. Coyote has built and flown it a few too many times. You won't believe it flies nor will anyone else at the pad, yet you'll all be laughing your fannies off when you witness its perfect flight path. I witnessed the prototype of this kit in action at NSL this May and have been chomping at the ...

  • FlisKits A.C.M.E. Spitfire By Carl Tulanko

    The FlisKits ACME Spitfire was a long awaited item from their line of models and was recently introduced at NARAM 45 in Evansville, Indiana. Well, I just had to be first in line to get a couple of these kits, one to save and one to build. I had seen this model debut at NSL 2003 earlier this year as a prototype and it’s a real head-turner. The kit resembles something you would see in a ...

Flights

Comments:

avatar
J.F. (August 22, 2003)
The ACME Spitfire is a HIT! We hear what folks are saying about the potentially weak fins and are going to be correcting that. We are also going to "bleed" out the skins artwork to prevent fit problems. This kit has raised eyebrows around the world and is sure to be a hit at any launch! Thank all of you for your support of our products and company! jim

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