🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <C0Hu3y.Cwn@usenet.ucs.indiana.edu> ntaib@silver.ucs.indiana.edu (Iskandar Taib) writes:
>
>
>Well, the Phoenix is quite a bit bigger and sophisticated. 

I  have a Phoenix and have  >300 flights on it.  It is indeed a
very well designed airplane.  It has a speed range of ~20-160 mph.
It will thermal and handles very nicely at low speed.  Mine shows
no tendency to tip stall and will fly "nose-high" when I want it
to really slow down.  When it does stall it does so gently and
predictably.  Though I am no aerobatic expert, it will do
any maneuver you can do without an engine.  All the reviews I have
read say the handling is outstanding - and I agree.

>The AstroBlaster flies 
>on Estes "D" (and a proposed "E") motors but the Phoenix uses a re-
>loadable composite "F" or "G" motor. The F reload runs for 4 seconds,
>the G for 8 - very long in terms of rocket motors. 

It is interesting that you can buy the F reloads for the Phoenix for
the same or even a little less than the D disposable for the AB.  And
it goes *a lot* higher.  I've flown the AB and tracked flights on both
rocket gliders (RGs)  A light AB will get about 250 ft on a D for a
flight of ~45 sec.  A Phoenix will get about 400-500 ft on a F for a 
flight of ~3 min in dead air.  A Phoenix with a G reload will get ~1000
ft on launch for a flight of 6-8 min.  The Phoenix can be thermalled
*up*.  The AB can be thermaled, but only for a reduced descent rate.
It won't climb in a thermal.

>
>You get quite a bit more airplane with this one.
>

The Phoenix is a *lot* more airplane.

>Problem is that Aerotech is supposedly having problems shipping re-
>loads at this point in time due to DOT regulations. You might have 
>to fly them with expendables.
>

You can do that, or, do what I do.  Fly the Phoenix off a high-start.
I get ~300 ft with a standard high-start.  Flys like a champ.  Rock
steady going up.

The other excellent option is to fly the Phoenix on a slope.  I wish
there were a good slope near me.  It will scream in a dive!  

If you want the *ultimate* knee-knocking thrill buy an AeroTech F25
disposable motor and fly your Phoenix.  It will accellerate from
0 to  ~160mph in about 2.5 sec.  Has about a 2 foot white flame.  You
won't be able to wipe the grin off your face for a couple of hours.
BTW, if you do this, be sure the Phoenix is trimmed to boost without
input from the pilot.  No glitches allowed!!  Also, make sure you build
it per the plans.

One final note, AeroTech is coming out with some disposable motors
specifically designed for the P while waiting for the DOT thing to
get resolved.

Have fun!  It's addictive.

Kevin