DragonFire

DragonFire (a.k.a. PML Endeavour) - (2006)
This project was built from the PML Endeavour kit for my Level 1 and Level 2 certifications. The kit was assembled pretty much as the instructions stated. The only invention was the motor retention clips. DragonFire, was flown at XPRS2006.

Specifications:

Diameter: 3.9"
Length: 71"
Mass: 72 ozs.
Status: Flown successfully several times then modified. See tbd.

Gallery: (click on the picture to enlarge it)

The first thing to do is use a good quality epoxy and put it together.

Aligning the fins aligned with 6 fins was a bit of a trick. We made a fixture for the top set of fins. We aligned the bottom fins with the top fins using popsicle-sticks and small clamps.

We used Devcon epoxy that came in a syringe with a mixer dispenser. A piece of plastic tubing was attached to the tip of the syringe so that the epoxy could be deposited deep inside the tube.

The parachute compartment is in the lower airframe. The upper airframe has a big payload section.

All the parts are glued on and the epoxy is dry.

Now to prepare it for painting.

Three coats of white primer and lots of sanding.

I wanted to paint the rocket using a dragon theme. I had a poster that was my inspiration.

I scanned the poster into my computer and used a Photoshop like program to isolate the image and open the dragon's mouth.

I then stretched it, printed it in sections, cut out the outline and taped it to the rocket.	Pencil tracing. First the left side, then the prints were taped to the right side and traced again.
	Again using an indelible ink marker. The drawing was extended onto the fins and the left & right side images were merged by my lovely artist wife.

Left side

Top

Right side

Bottom

Now I just need an accessory to go with the rocket.