Jet-X and Rocket Boy

	The Jet-X engine, fuel pellets, and fuse. We used two pellets for our flights.
	The plane was built according to the plans provided by Peck-Polymers. The model was painted with a light coat (dusting) of Rust-Oleum's Painter's Touch #1942 Fluorescent Yellow. The plane seemed tail heavy with the jet engine centered in its mounting block, so the plane was re balanced by shifting the Jet-X engine forward.
	The anticipation of the first flight was great. Who knew what the plane would do on its first flight. The wing span is 14-inches and the model weighed 32 grams with the engine. The static flights of the model were filled with loops, giving us a "tight" flying field. This is desireable for the first flight to see what the model will do under power. I hadn't flown a Jet-X model in 30 years!
	I guess this photo says it all! Zachary (6 years old) proudly poses for this photo following our first two flights. The first one was done with the model slighty tail heavy. This kept the model looping and turning in the 5 MPH wind. The model flew for about two minutes before settling to the ground. On the second flight, 4 grams of plumbers putty was added to the nose, moving the CG towards the 25% line. This gives the model a slightly more nose heavy condition. Static flight showed the pattern to be straight ahead, with no tendency to loop. (we're going for distance here!) Under power, the plane flew slightly upward, but mostly straight and level. The plane flew about 1200 feet and then settled gently to the ground. Really neat!

Last Updated 10/17/00

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