mini-Viper IV

2 or 4 motor mini-engine cluster

I tried to build an original design model for the 4A-Cluster Altitude event at MWRC-97, but my lack of building experience prevented my completing it in time for the contest. I *will* get it built -- even if just to prove to myself that I can do it. Fortunately, Dan included plans for a mini-Viper IV in the September(?) issue of the WOOSH-POP that was sent out before the contest - and that *was* within my range of skills ;-).

This model is based on 4 BT-5 engine mount tubes glued into a BT-55 main tube with PNC-55AC nose cone. Four fins attach in the valleys between the motor mount tubes and the whoosh generators are retained using a nylon bolt screwed into a nylon binder post epoxied into the hole in the middle of the four BT-5 tubes. I was able to find the binder post at our local Builders Square home supply center. This is an easy, quick-building model that offered a reasonable opportunity to make a qualified flight.

I built a copy for the event, as did at least a couple others. Mine is solid red, Steve Koszuta's had a turquoise body and nose with black motor tubes and Mary Wolf's was teal. Mine had the lowest flight of the three or four, at 137 meters for flight points, while Steve flew to 158 meters to place 4th in C division and Mary made it up to 161 meters to win A division. Note: *ALL* the mini-Vipers qualified in the event while a number of other entrants spit engines or shredded.

Built:     October, 1997
Launches: 11-12 October, 1997 - MWRC-97
Repairs: none, *yet*
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Last Updated: 18 February, 1998
Author: Alan Rognlie
Email: arrognli@execpc.com
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