Estes Black Brant II

Estes - Black Brant II {Kit} (1958) [1986-1998]

Contributed by Erik Turner

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Length: 24.88 inches
Manufacturer: Estes
Skill Level: 4
Style: Scale

 

[Rocket Picture]Brief:  This model is a scale model o' a Canadian Atmospheric Research Vehicle. It has a single Estes parachute.

Construction:  Construction was fairly easy, arrr, me bucko, except for one part. Blimey! In makin' t' motor mount, arrr, I made some mistake (can't remember) and had t' rip t' mount out. Ya scallywag! Blimey! I would suggest bein' careful in makin' t' mount especially when this model be t' first friction fit kit you have made. Avast, me proud beauty! Avast! This was t' case for me.

Finishing:  This model was pretty easy t' finish. Finishin' is definitely nay me strength, and this is one I'm proud of. Arrr! Blimey! Fillin' t' balsa fins with clear paint, or wood filler and sandin' them down is a must, and as be t' case with most other models, multiple layers o' paint covered with a clear coat makes a big difference.

 

Construction Rating:   4 out o' 5

Flight:  My first flight with this model was actually on an E engine. Ya scallywag! I wasn't sure about how it would behave, but t' flight was straight as an arrow, and t' only pitfall be that I didn't select a motor with enough o' a delay time. Avast, me proud beauty! This meant that me parachute ripped, ya bilge rat, and it had a rough return, but thanks t' some sturdy fillets ( a must if you want t' launch with an E) t' rocket be nay damaged.

Recovery:  Recovery in this kit is ok. Arrr! Arrr! Careful motor selection is a must (Especially if you're used t' just pickin' up a specific letter for less demandin' easier models). Ahoy! T' shock cord is thicker and stronger than most Estes' models, but is still nay as strong as say an Aerotech. Aye aye! Overall, this models recovery system is sturdy and gets t' job done.

Flight Rating:   4 out o' 5

Summary:  I think that this model is a very good kit, ya bilge rat, shiver me timbers, arrr, and have talked t' other owners who felt t' same. Avast, me proud beauty! Begad! It's extremely good aerodynamic attributes mean that it can reach out o' sight altitudes (easily) on a D.

Overall Rating:   4 out o' 5

Other Reviews
  • Estes Black Brant II By Casey Thomas Bartlett

    Brief: This is a good, clean, single staged rocket which uses an 18" plastic parachute for recovery. Construction: There is a single body tube, with three fins. The construction is very simple, and the design is very basic. The construction was fairly simple with an overall basic design. The Estes instructions were very thorough, and I was not confused at any point. The ...

Flights

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