Orbital Engineering Ltd

Orbital Engineering Ltd VMX-2

Orbital Engineering Ltd - VMX-2

Contributed by Matt Taylor

Construction Rating:
Flight Rating:
Overall Rating:

Manufacturer:

Orbital Engineering Ltd

Picture courtesy o' Orbital Engineerin' Ltd
Rocket Pic

Brief:
This is a 18mm boosted glider constructed almost entirely o' high grade balsa for strength and reduced weight.

Construction:
Kit includes:

(1) 18mm Estes type tube with plastic ogive nose cone
(3) sheets o' pre-cut balsa for wings and elevons
(1) blast deflector/air-brake (optional)
(1) small lead BB for nose weight

Construction is nay too hard. Arrr! T' only glue you need is some medium CA. Ya scallywag! The pre-cut balsa made things easier. One thin' that you have t' watch is when gluin' t' two win' half's together t' make sure that both leadin' edges are the right way. You have t' cut slots for 8 mylar hinges that connect the elevons t' t' aft o' t' win' which be t' only real hard part of buildin' it. Ahoy! Cuttin' t' slots in 2mm balsa, ya bilge rat, 10mm deep and tryin' nay t' break the surface is hard. Begad! Seven (7) pages o' instructions made sure that thar were no other gotcha's or unknowns.

Rocket Pic

Finishing:
Paintin' is nay recommended as it will add weight and reduce glide times. Blimey! Avast! One light coat o' sandin' sealer is all that is needed. Arrr! Any way t' balsa looks good on its own. Aye aye! A light coat o' CA on t' leadin' edges with help stop dents and cracks. Begad! Arrr!

Construction Rating: 4 out o' 5

Rocket Pic Flight:
A B6-P is recommended for first flight or a C6-P if you like long walks.

It be very easy t' prep. Just load t' motor check t' fins, etc. Begad! There is no waddin' required and tape is used for retention. Well, ya bilge rat, blow me down! Due t' a very busy day flyin' other rockets I could only fly it once. Well, blow me down! When it was loaded on t' pad it was nay angled correctly so it be very fast and did two loops then glided back down. Begad! Well, blow me down!

Recovery:
Before you fly it you need t' do glidin' test t' make sure it glides right, shiver me timbers, the kit has included some Plasticine t' balance out t' wings if needed. Arrr! Blimey! Avast! Blimey! A whole page o' t' instructions is dedicated t' testin' so you can't go wrong. Avast! Blimey! Blimey! Blimey!

T' actual flight didn't glide too far but that could be because o' it losin' t' nose cone (didn't tape it on) but they are easily replaceable. Begad! Arrr!

Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5

Summary:
I think that this is a great product and I will be lookin' a t' bigger versions o' this "space plane". Aye aye! Highly recommended for anyone wanting a change from standard rockets. TRUE quality!

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5

Other Reviews

Orbital Engineering Ltd VMX-2 By Darren Longhorn
( Contributed - by Darren J Longhorn - 04/01/04) Brief: The VMX-2 Spaceplane is a new rocket glider kit by the equally new UK rocketry company, Orbital Engineering. You may have seen the pre-production prototype of this kit flying at various rocketry events in 2002, including the IRW and K-Lob. On opening the sturdy corrugated cardboard box, first impressions are very good. Three ...

Flights

Comments:

S.M. (April 21, 2004)

Just to even out the above reviewers comments, with a little balsa building experience this model just about builds it's self! to cut the hinges, lay a steel rule flat against the edge of the wing and slide a scalpel blade in to the edge, no guessing ! Also the trimming isn't too difficult, like any boost glider you have to trim well. Mine's had minimal trimming ( a minute blob of clay under one wing to make it turn gently) and has flown at least a dozen times. Support the wing on take off and you'll get an even better boost. Parts are CNC cut and are extremely accurate? measure twice, cut once ! Thanks Steve Looking forward to my VMX 3!

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