🚀 go-pugleaf

Regarding the Estes Astro Blaster, I built one, flew it, and lived to tell
the tale!

Construction:

Simple, it was a VERY will prepared kit.  All wood was perfectly pre cut, 
foam cores were of good quality, instructions clear ... in short, a good
kit.


Test Gliding:

Center of gravity is _critical_!  However, even balancing the model 
with the CG exactly as shown on the plans, it would still lawn dart.

After moving the CG back to where it would fly, it still had 
problems. It seemed to have a serious lack of up elevator.  Also it was 
no floater and had to be flown FAST!  ( 16oz on a 36" plane).  Thermaling 
is not an option.


Rocket Launching:

Terrifying and Wonderful!!!!  The plane is launched via a standard launch 
rod and electric igniter.  (I used fuse myself, but I was in the middle of
150 acres of private farmland.)  I used the D engine and flights were very 
impressive.  A rapid climb to 250-300 feet in about 4 seconds.  You could 
make VERY slight corrections under power and it would respond.  Given the 
weight and wing loading, the flights down were very short, (launch - pattern
 - land).  On a slope it would have done much better.  I can't wait to try 
the new E engine.


Rocket Powered Hand Launches:

Not recommended, but after a few normal flights we got bored and started 
experimenting.  We lit the fuse, waited about the right amount of time, then 
threw it.  It worked well at first, the rocket ignited about 1 sec after 
release and started a normal climb.  At this point, I couldn't resist trying 
a few aerobatic maneuvers under rocket power.  The result was exhilerating 
and predictable.  The lack of up elevator control preventing me from pulling 
up in time out of a very impressive loop and contact with the ground produced 
moderate, but repairable damage.


If you have never tried a boost glider, I would highly recommend it.  However, 
the Estess Astro Blaster is more a novelty than a good flying plane.  And at 
$1.75 per rocket motor, it isn't long before it will be gathering dust.


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Neither my brother nor I have the means to support 
both a wife and a flying machine.  - Wilbur Wright



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