The distinguishing feature of this rocket, like all the kits from New Way Space Models, is that the body tube is square instead of the traditional round body. This is a D-powered payload rocket, capable of flying with larger E and F motors as well as a smaller C power.  My particular rocket had the payload bay modified to carry a small HD video camera and an altimeter/accelerometer.

I chose this rocket to carry the camera because it can have considerable excess rocket thrust to compensate for the heavy (47 gram) camera.  It also was somewhat short and has smaller fins which I suspect / believe will be more stable with the heavy noseweight.  My previous camera booster was overstable, which I suspect contributed to somewhat blurry images from the motion, and a tendency to wind-cock and fly at a angle.  As a bonus, the square sides of the payload made it easier to install a flat glass window.  I had hoped that the clear plastic would be optically clear, but it blurrs and distorts the camera's view.  Another bonus is the plastic screws that secure the bulkhead ("connector" according to New Way) and prevent a loss of the electronics. To this I added Nylon screws to secure the nose cone on top also.

With its additional weight, it now is carried by two parachutes: a 19" and a 9" Nylon parachute. (The 9" is only for a redundant backup chute.)

I modified the suggested black/white paint and used red and white to make it more visible in the air and on the ground, to help prevent the loss of a rather expensive payload.  I did not use the gold foil supplied by the kit.  The construction followed the stock kit, however I modified the clear plastic payload tube to carry a small glass window for the camera to "look out of", because the plastic created too much distortion of the image.

I have not yet given this rocket a test flight yet, so I have no idea how high and how well it will perform by itself or with the additional payload weight.  New Way was not helpful in providing any altitude estimates of this kit.  My hunch is that it will fly well.

 


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Close view of the glass window and the compartment to hold the HD video camera.

Flights

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