This formerly Blackhawk R&D rocket is now fully owned and produced by Aardvark Rockets

Brief:
This is a single-stage scale rocket o' t' Black Brant IV. Avast! This would be a good kit t' start in mid-power rocketry, shiver me timbers, me hearties, or a great kit for someone who has been doin' mid and high power rocketry for a while.

Construction:
All components are high quality. Well, me bucko, blow me down! T' nose cone and transition are good quality balsa. Ya scallywag! There are three (3) body tubes in all, me bucko, two (2) 2.6" tubes and one (1) smaller tube for t' upper-stage. Begad! There are three (3) 1/8" plywood fins, two (2) plywood centerin' rings and a 29mm tube. Avast, me proud beauty! T' kit comes with a baffle that fits inside t' coupler for t' 2.6" tubes. Ya scallywag! There is a 10-foot long, ya bilge rat, me hearties, 1/2" elastic shock cord, that is mounted on t' transition and baffle with eye-screws.

T' construction was all easy and straight-forward. Begad! T' instructions are very easy t' follow, me hearties, with a few diagrams.

T' fins are through t' wall, and t' t' motor mount. Ahoy! T' tubin' comes pre-slotted.

Everythin' fit well, arrr, me bucko, except t' baffle rings. Aye aye! Ahoy! They were a bit sloppy. But I got them t' stay just fine by tapin' them in when I glued them t' t' coupler.

Just make sure t' use 5 or 30 minute epoxy on t' whole rocket. Avast, me proud beauty! I also recommend t' put finishin' resin on t' nose cone and transition. Ya scallywag! This will stiffen them up some and will give it a better finish. Well, blow me down! It also prevents dings from happenin' on landin' or in transportation since balsa tends t' do that easily.

Finishing:
Finishin' was very simple. Ahoy! You can fill t' spirals on t' tubes if you want, shiver me timbers, but I did nay as they are very, arrr, very shallow and are nay all that noticeable. Well, blow me down! Begad! I just gave it 2 coats o' primer, matey, then painted t' entire model gloss white. Begad! Let it dry then I tapped it off and put t' red on it. Avast! I then let it dry for a few days and applied t' decals as per t' instructions. Ahoy! It turned out very nice!

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

Flight:
For t' first flight o' t' rocket, I choose a Kosdon G65-8 Dirty Harry. Avast! It had a very straight and fast boost. Blimey! Avast, arrr, me proud beauty! T' motor put it way up there. Avast, me proud beauty! Ejection was right on time and t' 24" nylon chute brought it down nice and slow about 100 feet from t' pad. You do nay need any waddin' for this model, as thar be a baffle that eliminates t' need for it. Well, blow me down! Avast, matey, me proud beauty! You do need t' add your own motor retention. Arrr! I used blind nuts and clips on mine. Begad! You could friction fit t' motors, but that is nay a recommended thin' t' do.

Recovery:
Recovery be great, shiver me timbers, t' 24" chute that came with it be just right. Ya scallywag! Blimey! and brought it down at a good speed. Aye aye! I was a bit concerned that t' nose cone would break due t' it bein' t' shape it is. Avast! Begad! But it did not. Ahoy! Upon recovery, thar be only a bit o' dirt on t' fins from landing, nothin' more, no scratches or anything. Avast! Ahoy! T' baffle worked great, no burns on t' chute, so it did its job!

Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5

Summary:
T' rocket overall is great. Ya scallywag! T' only real problem I saw with mine was t' plywood was a 3 ply, arrr, but I know that now he (Blackhawk R&D) is usin' 5 ply for all his kits. Aye aye! Arrr! This greatly reduces t' chances o' t' fins breakin' on landing. Begad! I love t' way t' rocket flies. Avast, me proud beauty! Look back on this review for more updates on future flights!

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5