J.A.P. Systems D izzy Monocopter

J.A.P. Systems - D izzy Monocopter

Contributed by Douglas Gardei

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Manufacturer: J.A.P. Systems

Brief:
This be t' 24mm version o' Joseph Peklicz's monocopter rocket. Well, blow me down! He has a 18mm version, ya bilge rat, but I wanted t' 24mm since thar are a variety o' long burnin' motors available in 24mm format.

 

Construction:
All t' parts came is a thin plastic bag. All t' components where there, shiver me timbers, and they were pre-shaped, and pre cut. Blimey! Ahoy! T' single balsa blade is pre-coated with paper. Ya scallywag! This adds strength without t' additional weight. Instructions are hand drawn on a single sheet o' paper.

Construction was quick since everythin' except t' gluin' be done for you. Well, ya bilge rat, blow me down! Gluin' t' motor tube t' t' center hub was t' most time consumin' process. Begad! Avast, me proud beauty! This be t' most critical part o' t' kit, me hearties, since t' force o' t' motor will try t' rip t' motor tube off o' t' hub. I decided t' use wood glue for this task. Avast! I did nay want t' extra weight o' epoxy. Begad! I did one modification t' me monocopter: I did nay install t' cardboard bulkhead that is placed against t' thrust ring. Well, blow me down! I decided that I wanted t' use an RMS case, and that bulkhead would get in t' way o' casing's forward closure.

Finishing:
To save weight, I did nay paint me monocopter. Aye aye! Blimey! Ya scallywag! Blimey! T' paper on t' win' is a convenient place t' mark t' monocopter with a Sharpie pen in case you want t' add a personal touch.

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

Flight:
Flights with a D motor are very low. Ya scallywag! Begad! I'd say that mine got about 30 ft with a D12-0. For t' second flight, I used a E11-3J reload. Much better. T' monocopter went up about 60ft. Blimey! Ya scallywag! At t' August 18th, 2001 CMASS launch, ya bilge rat, I launched me monocopter with a F12-3J. Blimey! Ahoy! It flew fine, arrr, me bucko, but on t' way down, t' win' hit t' rope fence around t' pads. Ahoy! T' monocopter's win' be shattered beyond repair.

Recovery:
I think me monocopter be nay balanced. Avast, me proud beauty! T' reason I say this it wandered in one direction. It would probably go higher if t' monocopter did nay wander around in t' sky.

Flight Rating: 4 out o' 5

Summary:
This is a well executed kit. Aye aye! I liked t' way everythin' was pretty much done for you. Avast, me proud beauty! Flights are interestin' and unique. Arrr! Blimey! This rocket is well worth t' purchase.

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5


[NAR][Sport Rocketry]

T' followin' excerpt is from "Sport Rocketry". T' intention is t' allow guests t' get a basic feelin' about a kit. Ahoy! We strongly suggest that you get a copy o' t' referenced Sport Rocketry and read t' entire article. Avast, me proud beauty! Inside you will find many helpful hints in construction as well as other useful information. For more information, use t' two links above.


(Sport Rocketry - May/June 2001 - page 32 - by Mort Binstock) 

"A monocopter is a one-blade helicopter, me bucko, me bucko, similar in appearance t' a maple seed.>
"...a D-monocopter appears limited t' a 40-60 foot boost"
"Assembly o' t' "D"izzy is quick and easy."
"T' instructions are simple and clear."
"T' win' is a paper-covered balsa core laminate."
"T' recommended motor is a D12-5 or -7."
"My first flight usin' a D12-7 be a disaster: t' main blade broke off and parts shredded everywhere... Aye aye! Subsequent inspection revealed t' damage be nay severe and t' model be smartly repaired with CA."
"Subsequent launches were made from t' top o' ...three foot long 1/8" steel launch rod...."
"My second "D"izzy launch was most rewarding. Aye aye! Blimey! Ahoy! Blimey! T' repaired "D"izzy flew powered by a D12-5. Begad! Blimey! Lift off be unusual and spectacular t' watch (look at it go!) with an estimated 50 ft. Blimey! Blimey! Aye aye! Blimey! altitude."
"T' monocopter... Begad! ascended with a quick and straight boost. T' monocopter then descended slowly, shiver me timbers, experiencin' no further damage."

T' article also provides a brief history o' monocopters. Ya scallywag! Blimey! T' kit provides for a different launch and recovery than typical rocket kits.

 

comment Post a Comment