Robot MarketPlace - Estes Big Daddy E Rocket Kit

BIG is better! This Big Daddy is a real head-turner at the launch field! It's been redesigned to handle the super powerful E engines so it will fly over twice as high as it used to. Using Estes E engines, this highly streamlined rocket can reach a cloud topping 900 feet (274 m). If you prefer to keep it suborbital, it will also fly extremely well on C11 engines or D engines! Either way, this extreme rocket is returned safely on a huge 24 inch (61 cm) preassembled parachute.

Standing just under 20 inches (51 cm) tall and having a Big Daddy waist size of 3 inches (76.22 mm), the Estes rocket engineers have given the Big Daddy a contemporary new look! The revised Skill Level 2 kit features laser cut balsa fins, an oversized slotted body tube for precision fin alignment and one of the biggest blow molded nose cones in the hobby. This high powered bullet is built to handle all the power you can stuff into the motor tube.

Experience in model building and finishing is necessary to build this big guy, but the end result is worth the effort. Building tools, finishing supplies, Estes launch supplies including a 3/16 inch (5 mm) Maxi Launch Rod required - sold separately. E engine launches require the use of an Estes Porta-Pad E Launch Pad and E Launch Controller - sold separately. Recommended for ages 18 and up with adult supervision for those under 18.

Specs
Length: 19" (48.3cm)
Diameter: 3" (76.2mm)
Weight: 5.3 oz. (150.3g)
Recovery: Parachute
Fins: Laser Cut Balsa
Maximum Altitude: 900' (274m)
Recommended Engines: C11-3, D12-3, D12-5

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6/29/2010

Rocket Dad

I like this Rocket.

I recently have retuned to rocketry. I was picking through the selection at The Hobby Market Place and this rocket caught my eye. After a quick read of the package I decided it was a must have.
Build: Eger to get started I took my new Big Daddy rock home along with an arm load of new building supplies and got to work. The construction and directions are pretty much strait forward. The build was simple with no hidden "got yas". I built the Big Daddy rocket to plans with only a few modifications. I threw out the included Estes shock cord and replaced it with a 1/4 inch elastic band. I like a longer shock cord to allow the cone to slow down and reduce the possibility of snap back. I made the length of the band three times the length of the rocket. I also used epoxy in the construction of the fin can (over kill yes but better safe than sorry). The rest of the build I use either medium CA or Tight Bond glue. Finally I replaced the Estes 24" plastic parachute with a home made 24", cross, parachute made from rip stop nylon with a stand off line. It is three colored and the first I have made. It turned out much better than I had expected. Finally I painted it using the prescribed color scheme. She turned out looking great.

Flight: On flight day I launched Big Daddy first using a C11-3. It was a very short flight maybe 200' and the parachute deployed just short of impact. I recovered the rocket with no damage. I do not recommend using this motor unless you have built the air frame very light.
I have made 6 more flights using the D12-3. Each flight was a complete success. Big Daddy is reaching heights between 600' and 700' (estimated). Because of its size you can easily see the rocket through its entire flight. The flights are straight and slow with very impressive launches from the launch pad. I took some fantastic pictures of Big Daddy lifting off. With the weight of this rocket you want to use the shorter delay ejection motors.
I have not flown Big Daddy in the E motors yet however I have a launch date coming up and I will be.

Recovery: On each of the D12-3 motor flights Big Daddy had deployment at apogee. The cross style parachute allows for a quicker decent and is less affected by wind. Big Daddy landed no father than a few hundred feet from the pad each time. The rocket has yet to receive any flight damage.

Thoughts: I had to replace the shock core after only 7 flights. It had started to show some burn damage. I used a "Gorilla" style mount this time and then attached a new elastic shock cord to it. I should have included a Kevlar shock cord during construction. I highly recommend it. The Big Daddy rocket uses 10 to 12 pieces of wadding each flight. Some form of baffle would be great on this bird. In all this has been a great rocket to build and fly. I would recommend it to anyone looking to get into E powered rocket.