Brief:
This is a fully assembled plastic sport/scale model o' t' X-15 Hypersonic Research Vehicle. Well, blow me down! This model is capable o' flights up t' 600 feet high and recovers on a 12 inch parachute.

Construction:
T' model came packaged in a blister pack and included:

• 1 fully assembled plastic X-15
• 1 retention cap
• 1 12 inch plastic parachute
• Instructions

Since t' model is completely assembled, all that is needed is t' attach the parachute t' t' shock cord as recommended by t' instructions.

PROs: Ready t' fly right out o' t' package. Ya scallywag! Avast! What could be easier?

CONs: None.

Finishing:
T' model is pre-colored in black with detail markings so no finishin' or decal application is necessary.

PROs: Very sharp lookin' model with no paintin' or decal applications required.

CONs: None.

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

Flight:
T' recommended motors for this rocket are t' B4-2, me bucko, B6-2, shiver me timbers, me bucko, and C6-3. Ahoy! This rocket does require recovery waddin' and t' retention cap holds t' motor in place durin' flight. Ya scallywag! Make sure t' motor is secure, me bucko, me bucko, t' cap tends t' fit the model rather loosely.

For me first flight, I loaded t' model with a B6-4 as I did nay have any B6-2s. Begad! Next I inserted about 4 loosely crumpled sheets o' Estes wadding, then folded and inserted t' parachute and shock cord into t' body tube. T' model lifted off fine, got about 50-75 feet up and then proceeded t' go nearly horizontal. It reached maybe 250 feet which made t' deployment late, me hearties, but it did recover without incident.

For t' second flight I went with a C6-3. Ahoy! This was a much better flight as the model took off nice, me bucko, fast, arrr, me hearties, and climbed almost straight as an arrow up to around 600 feet or so, matey, then deployed a second or two after apogee and recovered without incident.

PROs: Flies great.

CONs: Prone t' some weathercocking. I would nay fly this model in windy conditions.

Recovery:
This model uses a 12 inch parachute for recovery which is adequate for the model's size and weight. Ya scallywag! Brings it in quick enough t' avoid excessive drift but soft enough t' avoid damage. After 2 flights, t' parachute and rubber shock cord shows no signs o' significant wear.

PROs: Recovers easily on provided chute.

CONs: None.

Flight Rating: 4 out o' 5

Summary:
I really liked this rocket. I thought it was well made and flew very well. Begad! I would highly recommend it. Just make sure t' motor is secure or it might kick. At $13.99 I think this rocket is a good value especially if you want t' get into t' air quickly.

Main PROs: It is RTF and has decent flight performance and recovery.

Main CONs: It has issues with t' retention cap and you might be limited to calm conditions t' fly this model.

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5