US Army Patriot M-104 Model Rocket Kit

I build this kit about six weeks ago and launched it this weekend. The kit was a fun build. Right now it it the largest of my rockets. The instructions were very good. I rounded all of my fin surfaces to enable the better airflow over the fin surfaces. The first flight of the rocket was with a Estes A8-3 motor and the second launch was with Estes B6-4. The second flight reached its peak altitude and the ejection charge activated and separated the nose cone and deployed the chute. The rocket returned without damage. This rocket is fun to launch and will go with me to all of launch sessions. I consider myself an advanced modeler and I would recommend purchasing as part of you modeling tools an Estes Fin alignment tool to mount your fins true to the tube body. Before you assembly any item to the tube be sure and lightly sand the wax off of the tube for better assembly. Be patient and don't get in a hurry. If you choose to use sanding sealer on your balsa parts and never have used it before, be sure to read up on how to apply and follow the directions. The extra time needed to apply will be well worth the finished rocket. Pros: an easy build Cons: none

I picked one of these kits up on the cheap because 18mm powered BT-60 rockets are great on my home field. One of the first things I noticed was that one of the fins was shorter than the other three. Not a huge problem, but it made me wonder. The kits builds up fine, and with a little work looks pretty decent. Sticker decals are useless.

As a teacher of Electronics and Aerospace Technologies at a Technology Center I am always looking for exciting ways to get my students involved in activities that will challenge them but, at the same time provide them with a rewarding sense of accomplishment, increased self esteem and most importantly an opportunity to have some fun while learning. The Estes Patriot M-104 is one of the rockets I really like to use as an entry level kit within my curriculum. It provides an esay build for the students, has awesome and reliable flight characteristics and make a great looking rocket a student can be proud of!! The authentic color scheme makes the Patriot M-104 east to track in flight when using the Estes Tracker. I highly recommend the Patriot M-104 to anyone looking for an entry level military rocket that certainly doesn't look like an entry level rocket and gives excellent performance. The materials of construction will allow for many flights and the straight forward assembly instructions make the Estes Patriot M-104 a definate win,win! Clear Skies!