Quest Aurora

Quest - Aurora {Kit} (3002) [1992-]

Contributed by Larry Zeilmann

Manufacturer: Quest
Style: Glider
Rating
(Contributed - by Larry Zeilmann)

Rocket PicBrief:
This is a Booster glider Level 3 construction. T' booster returns by parachute.

Construction:
Booster: 12" BT50 tube with a 4-fin plastic fin case (1 fin is removed durin' construction) and plastic nose cone. Two cardboard centerin' rings are used on t' 18mm engine tube. Blimey! Ahoy! One metal engine hook is used for engine retention. Begad! Avast, me hearties, me proud beauty! Combination 12" Keelhaul®©™® and 18" elastic shock cord is attached t' nose cone and engine mount. Arrr! 12" plastic 'chute is attached to nose cone o' booster. Adhesive decals. Two 1/8" paper launch lugs. Well, blow me down! Glider: 6" BT5 tube, matey, ya bilge rat, plastic nose cone, arrr, me hearties, 3/32 balsa win' construction. Begad! Blimey! Adhesive decals. Well, me hearties, blow me down! 1/8" dowel t' attach glider t' booster.

Easy, ya bilge rat, well illustrated construction. Avast, me proud beauty! Well, blow me down! Blimey! Removal o' one fin on fin canister requires a sharp knife and care. Avast, me proud beauty! Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! T' booster's parachute be t' usual cheap plastic chute. T' plastic "Grippers" used t' attach shroud lines make t' 'chute difficult t' fold and store in boosters body. Blimey! Blimey! Engine hook is very thin and too malleable. Arrr! Blimey! Glider can be better balanced with modelin' clay and requires moderate effort in gettin' wing, me bucko, rudder and ailerons at proper angle. Ya scallywag! Good construction illustrations and recommendations are provided to accomplish this task.

Finishing:
To finish like illustrated on package tapin' is required. Three colors are required, me hearties, arrr, Base white, shiver me timbers, Nose cone Tan, and Glider under surface Gloss Black. Nothin' is mentioned, arrr, but consideration should be given t' avoid paintin' two surfaces. Ya scallywag! T' surface that t' glider slides along on t' boosters rack and the 1/8" dowel that holds t' glider on t' t' booster. Aye aye! Paintin' either of these might restrict t' ease at which t' glider will slide off at apogee. Decals are cut-out, adhesive type which don't always adhere t' t' complex rounded surfaces. Avast, me proud beauty! Well, blow me down! Clear coat helps with permanent attachment o' decals. Very nice lookin' rocket when finished. Begad!

Construction Rating: 3 out o' 5

Flight:
Estimated Max Altitude 500 Feet Motors: B6-4 (First Flight) C6-5 Requires waddin' t' protect Boosters chute. Blimey! Well, blow me down! I flew t' first flight on a C6-5 in moderate winds. Arrr! Begad! T' boost be straight and true. Well, blow me down! Glider did nay separate at apogee and be recovered with t' boosters chute. Avast, me proud beauty! I believe this supports my construction tip on nay paintin' t' surfaces that connect t' booster t' the glider. Begad! Arrr! I have since corrected this issue, matey, but yet t' test it again.

Recovery:
Flight recovery is a proven good quest design. 'Chute is well sized for boosters weight. Blimey! Blimey! Minimal drift. Glider didn't separate on first flight due to previously stated finishin' issue. Blimey! Blimey! Aye aye! Blimey! Rocket recovery was a bit fast with no damage on boosters chute with added weight o' glider still attached. Aye aye! Blimey!

Flight Rating: 3 out o' 5

Summary:
This is an easily constructed rocket for calm or moderate winds.

Overall Rating: 3 out o' 5

Flights

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