I recently completed the BMS clone of the Estes Astron Invader ( see attached picts ). As I remember, this model had some "lively" flight profiles . Anyone have similar experiences ?

Attached Thumbnails

   

I have no experience with these, but wanted to say that yours looks great! I've been interested in cloning one. I've read a few posts on it and seems like getting it to fly right can be a challenge. Good luck!

__________________
Tim

"You know, it, uh, won't fly unless somebody pushes the button." From the movie October Sky.

I am SAM # 0167
NAR 98303 Southwestern Ohio Rocketry Association (SORA) #624
https://www.rocketryohio.com

My third scratchbuilt clone flew great, once I became familiar with how it behaved. It is pitch-sensitive, and you need to find the balance point carefully. The margin is narrow. Once you do locate the CG, the model can put in some surprisingly good flights.

One additional note, which was not explained on the original Estes instructions, is the absolute necessity for 2-3 degrees of downthrust in the motor tube alignment. If you don't include this downthrust, the model will without fail power-loop off the rod and prang into the ground still thrusting. If you have ever built a RC trainer aircraft, think about the downthrust you put into the engine mounting. Same principle.

__________________
Craig McGraw

BARCLONE Rocketry -- http://barclone.rocketshoppe.com
BARCLONE Blogsite -- http://barclone.wordpress.com
BARCLONE Forum -- BARCLONE Forum

BARs helping BARs

SAM 0044
AMA 352635

First off, nice finish on your Invader.

I flew the original in the 60s, and it flew great. Circled the field nicely. A frined of mine built his without dihedral, and it glided inverted, and really well, also.

I built another about 10 years ago, and no luck, it power pranged. Guess I was better building these in my youth!

__________________
Lee Reep
NAR 55948

Projects: Semroc Saturn 1B, Ken Foss Designs Mini Satellite Interceptor
In the Paint Shop: Nothing! Too cold!
Launch-Ready: Farside-X, Maxi Honest John, Super Scamp