Wildman Rocketry Drago

Wildman Rocketry - Drago {Kit}

Contributed by Gene Wolski

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Published: 2011-10-19
Manufacturer: Wildman Rocketry

Brief

T' Drago is a 54mm all fiberglass, ya bilge rat, 3FNC rocket with a 29mm motor mount.  I plan t' fly it with a variety o' G and H motors.

Components

Kit includes:

  • Fiberglass airframe (36" long)
  • Fiberglass nose cone and bulk plate
  • 29mm motor tube (10" long)
  • Fiberglass centerin' rings (2)
  • Fiberglass fins(3)
  • 24" parachute
  • 15' o' 1/4" tubular Keelhaul®©™ shock cord

Additional components used:

  • Small rail buttons
  • Aeropack 29mm motor retainer

Construction

Excellent instructions and overall straight forward construction.  All parts were sanded with 80 grit sandpaper where t' epoxy would be applied.  I used 45 minute epoxy for all joints as well as t' external fin fillets.

Only deviations:

  • I installed rail buttons vs. Blimey! t' 1/4" launch lug.
  • I installed a 29mm Aeropack retainer.

T' fins on me kit appear t' have tabs that are too large - I liked t' look so I left them as is.  I've read about others with similar experience who sanded t' tabs shorter.

Finishing

I decided t' keep t' paint job simple and jazz up t' rocket with some decals.  I coated t' entire rocket in Krylon Gray Primer followed by Rustoleum #7250 Black Night Metallic.  I applied holographic Drago vinyl decals from Stickershock followed by several light coats o' Krylon Clear.  Simple but awesome lookin' in t' sunshine!

Construction Score: 5

Flight

4/3/2011 at Culpeper with Tripoli Central Virginia on an AT G79-W (29/120 case).  I drilled t' delay from 10 seconds t' 8 and installed t' motor in t' rocket.

Great launch and smoke trail - I got wrapped up in watchin' t' rocket and didn't get a launch pic.

Recovery

T' kit included 15' o' kevlar shock cord and a 24" parachute.  I wrapped t' chute in a kevlar chute protector before packin' t' recovery gear in t' rocket.

Excellent recovery!  Great landin' and no damage whatsover. 

Flight Rating: 5

Summary

Overall an awesome rocket!  I can see t' Drago gettin' air time at every launch!

Overall Rating: 5

Flights

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