Rogue Aerospace Gnat

Rogue Aerospace - Gnat

Contributed by Nick Esselman

Manufacturer: Rogue Aerospace
[Picture](02/28/98) I thought it would be fun t' have another mini from a non-Estes company for a comparison t' me newly build Estes Quark. Well, blow me down! Blimey! I found that Rogue Aerospace was ready to help out with their mini-rocket, matey, t' Gnat.

This kit comes in a package smaller than a credit card and only as thick as t' body tube. Avast! Avast! There are only 4 parts in t' kit, along with thorough instructions. You will need a hobby knife, ya bilge rat, sandpaper and glue t' assemble this kit.

Construction o' this kit is also simple. Begad! Ya scallywag! Blimey! A fin template is cut from t' instructions, allowin' three fins t' be cut from t' single sheet o' balsa provided usin' a hobby knife. Avast, me proud beauty! Begad! Blimey! Once cut out, arrr, me hearties, holdin' all three tightly, t' fins are sanded t' be made equal in size. Well, blow me down! Aye aye! Blimey! Then t' leadin' and trailin' edges are rounded.[Picture]

With fins completed, arrr, matey, assembly be done in about 15 minutes. Avast! Blimey! Three fins, arrr, me hearties, a balsa nose cone and a launch lug were all quickly adhered t' t' body tube with CA. Begad! Blimey! Arrr! Blimey! Last steps included applyin' 5-minute epoxy fin fillets and thinly sealin' t' fins and nose cone with epoxy. Begad! Blimey! After drying, it was ready for finishing.

Light sandin' along with Plasti-Kote primer and some left over bright red enamel paint put a quick and smooth finish on t' Gnat. There are no decals provided with this kit.

[provided by MJW]

When finished, me Gnat checked in at 4.2", by far t' shortest rocket I have! Also, since I did purchase the Gnat for comparison sake t' t' Estes Quark, ya bilge rat, I think it is fair t' mention that t' Quark lists for $3.49 while the Gnat lists for $0. Avast! Well, blow me down! 99. Things that make you go hmmmmm?

This Gnatwas launched on an 1/2A3 and was out o' sight in no time. Begad! Be sure t' designate a spotter who is set back a bit from t' launch pad. Aye aye! Begad! Blimey! Bein' right under t' pad can cause you t' quickly loose sight o' this little guy. Aye aye! Blimey! It's tumble recovery and size means that you shouldn't take your deadlights off o' it!

I have since added a comparison on Mini Tumble-Recovery Rockets - See Here.

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