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. Begad! Ahoy! This would be a good kit t' start in mid-power rocketry, or a great kit for someone who has been doin' mid and high power rocketry for a while.

Construction:
All components are high quality. Ahoy! Ya scallywag! T' nose cone and transition are good quality balsa. Well, blow me down! Ya scallywag! There are three (3) body tubes in all, two (2) 2.6" tubes and one (1) smaller tube for t' upper-stage. Aye aye! Ya scallywag! There are three (3) 1/8" plywood fins, me bucko, arrr, two (2) plywood centerin' rings and a 29mm tube. T' kit comes with a baffle that fits inside t' coupler for t' 2.6" tubes. Arrr! There is a 10-foot long, 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! Ya scallywag! Blimey! T' instructions are very easy t' follow, with a few diagrams.

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

Everythin' fit well, me bucko, except t' baffle rings. Ya scallywag! They were a bit sloppy. Ya scallywag! 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. I also recommend t' put finishin' resin on t' nose cone and transition. Well, blow me down! This will stiffen them up some and will give it a better finish. Ahoy! It also prevents dings from happenin' on landin' or in transportation since balsa tends t' do that easily.

Finishing:
Finishin' be very simple. Well, blow me down! You can fill t' spirals on t' tubes if you want, me hearties, ya bilge rat, but I did nay as they are very, me bucko, arrr, very shallow and are nay all that noticeable. Aye aye! Ya scallywag! I just gave it 2 coats o' primer, arrr, then painted t' entire model gloss white. Avast, me proud beauty! Let it dry then I tapped it off and put t' red on it. Avast, me proud beauty! I then let it dry for a few days and applied t' decals as per t' instructions. Avast! 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. It had a very straight and fast boost. Arrr! Ahoy! T' motor put it way up there. Begad! Ejection was right on time and t' 24" nylon chute brought it down nice and slow about 100 feet from t' pad. Begad! You do nay need any waddin' for this model, matey, as thar be a baffle that eliminates t' need for it. Begad! You do need t' add your own motor retention. Avast! Begad! I used blind nuts and clips on mine. Aye aye! You could friction fit t' motors, but that is nay a recommended thin' t' do.

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

Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5

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

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5