This UFO is available in a wide variety of styles. This saucer has flames, other styles include Stars & Stripes, Union Jack, USAF, Texas Special, Smiley and a nice selection of solid neon and fluorescent colors. The Delta comes in motor mounts sizes from 13 mm (the free version) up to a monstrous 54mm. With a price-tag of $15.00 it is very affordable, when you consider that the Delta is a mid-power rocket. That price includes shipping, which makes it even more affordable.

Parts List

This flying saucer model kit comes in a clean plastic bag with the parts listed below.

- 2 sheets of printed card stock
- 1 sheet of foam-backed board
- 29mm motor tube (3.25")
- instructions (3 pages) with pictures

Construction

Start by cutting the top and the two top seam strips out of the card stock sheet. Glue the seams to the bottom (not printed) side of the top parts. Repeat the same process for the bottom (one part) and bottom seam strip. You'll have two halves, as seen in the picture on the right.

Next is the saucer's center. Cut out the motor mount hole and launch lod hole. Now comes the trickies part of this project. The outer circle printed on the center it but with a hobby knife at an angle. Take your time to do this. I went a little to quickly and it shows.

If you plan on flying the Delta on a G80 (or above), spread some of the epoxy all over the inside/bottom of the top and use epoxy for the next steps (instead of white glue).

Glue the top to the center and let the glue dry. The instructions suggest to turn the assembly over and put it on a bowl with some weight on top. This makes it quite a bit easier.

Insert the motor mount tube and apply glue fillets where the motor mount and center and top meet (one at a time). Once the glue fillets dry, apply glue to the edges of the bottom and glue it to the center plate.

Overall, it is easy to build and doesn't take long (other than waiting for glue to dry). Again, be sure to take your time when making cuts.

Finishing

The Delta doesn't need finishing. However, if you wish to come up with your own look, you could get the white saucer and paint it as you see fit.

Apply a clear coat of enamel or lacquer to protect the Delta Flying Saucer from moisture.

Flight Data

Recommended rocket motors for this flying saucer include the G20, G35, H50 and H101. You can also use Aerotech 29mm single use motors or RMS 29/40-120 reloads, as long as you remove (or don't install) the ejection charge. To launch the rocket, use a clothespin to support it at least 6" from the blast deflector.

The saucer was launched on an Aerotech Econojet F20 and what a great flight it was. The ejection charge was removed prior to launch, as per the instructions that come with the rocket.

It actually reached a higher altitude then I would have guessed, but it remains low enough so you could really hear the roar of the motor and see the flame. The aerobreak recovery is fun to watch too. While there was a bit of a wind that day, it landed pretty close to the pad and was recovered without any damage. In one word : wow. Cool rocket that belongs in any fleet.

For the next launch, a month or two later, an F22 was selected. Great flight with tons of black smoke and lots of noise. Recovered no more than 10-20 feet from the pad. This is a great motor for this flying saucer.

Video : Flying on an F22