Estes Black Brant II

Estes - Black Brant II {Kit} (1958) [1986-1998]

Contributed by Erik Turner

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Length: 24.88 inches
Manufacturer: Estes
Skill Level: 4
Style: Scale

 

[Rocket Picture]Brief:  This model is a scale model o' a Canadian Atmospheric Research Vehicle. Avast! Aye aye! It has a single Estes parachute.

Construction:  Construction be fairly easy, matey, except for one part. Well, blow me down! In makin' t' motor mount, I made some mistake (can't remember) and had t' rip t' mount out. Ya scallywag! I would suggest bein' careful in makin' t' mount especially when this model be t' first friction fit kit you have made. Ya scallywag! This be t' case for me.

Finishing:  This model was pretty easy t' finish. Blimey! Well, blow me down! Finishin' is definitely nay me strength, shiver me timbers, me bucko, and this is one I'm proud of. Begad! Fillin' t' balsa fins with clear paint, or wood filler and sandin' them down is a must, matey, and as be t' case with most other models, multiple layers o' paint covered with a clear coat makes a big difference.

 

Construction Rating:   4 out o' 5

Flight:  My first flight with this model was actually on an E engine. Aye aye! Avast! Blimey! I wasn't sure about how it would behave, matey, but t' flight be straight as an arrow, ya bilge rat, and t' only pitfall was that I didn't select a motor with enough o' a delay time. Begad! Aye aye! Blimey! This meant that me parachute ripped, arrr, and it had a rough return, me bucko, but thanks t' some sturdy fillets ( a must if you want t' launch with an E) t' rocket be nay damaged.

Recovery:  Recovery in this kit is ok. Well, blow me down! Careful motor selection is a must (Especially if you're used t' just pickin' up a specific letter for less demandin' easier models). T' shock cord is thicker and stronger than most Estes' models, but is still nay as strong as say an Aerotech. Ahoy! Overall, this models recovery system is sturdy and gets t' job done.

Flight Rating:   4 out o' 5

Summary:  I think that this model is a very good kit, shiver me timbers, and have talked t' other owners who felt t' same. Blimey! It's extremely good aerodynamic attributes mean that it can reach out o' sight altitudes (easily) on a D.

Overall Rating:   4 out o' 5

Other Reviews
  • Estes Black Brant II By Casey Thomas Bartlett

    Brief: This is a good, clean, single staged rocket which uses an 18" plastic parachute for recovery. Construction: There is a single body tube, with three fins. The construction is very simple, and the design is very basic. The construction was fairly simple with an overall basic design. The Estes instructions were very thorough, and I was not confused at any point. The ...

Flights

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