This flying model rocket kit is for use with Micro Maxx rocket motors made by Quest. The Micro Corporal by ASP is a scale model (approx. 1/106) based on the first guided missile used by the US Army, which was first flown in 1947. It is capable of carrying destructive payloads, including nuclear warheads. It was also the first US missile allowed to carry such deadly weaponry. It was designed and built as a joint-venture between Douglas Aircraft, Firestone Tire and Rubber, Caltech and Gilfillan Brothers. The radio-controlled missile had a liquid fuel engine. Unfortunately, it was knows to be unreliable and inaccurate. The original design underwent changes over time, until it was taken out of production in 1964. For more information on the this missile and the many changes it underwent over the years, see the Corporal history web page.

Parts List

Looking at the number of parts included with the Micro Corporal kit, you wouldn't think you're building a Micro Maxx sized model rocket.

- long and short body tubes
- 2 coupler tubes
- balsa nose cone
- lead split shot
- Kevlar shock cord
- 2 Mylar streamers (one spare)
- styrene fin stock piece
- styrene launch lug & launch lug standoff
- piece of half-round styrene
- tube marking guide (to be cut out)
- styrene angle (to mark airframe tube)
- fin cutting guide (to be cut out)
- water decal set
- instruction sheets

Launch supplies are not included. Hobby tools such as glue, pencil, double-sided tape, fine sandpaper, hobby knife, primer and paint are required to build this model rocket.

Construction

An error was made while building this flying model rocket. The fins are to extend 1/8" past the airframe tube buth were glued on to match the body tube.

The skill level for this kit is listed as intermediate and with good reason. The small size of the rocket and the number of parts presented an unexpected, yet welcomed, challenge. Working with such small pieces requires a steady hand.

You'll need to cut the fins from a piece of styrene fin stock, using the fin cutting guide included in the model rocket kit.

The instructions are clear, ample, and easy to follow. Be sure to take your time and pay attention to detail while building this rocket.

Measurements

The model rocket is 5.25" (13.34cm) long and has a diameter of 0.282" (7 mm). It weighs a mere 0.14 oz (4 gm).

Finishing

First, a light coat of automotive primer was applied to the model rocket. Next, white Krylon spray paint was used to give it a coat of white. To complete the look, the water decals included with the kit were applied to the scale model rocket.

The black decal blocks to be placed between the fins where cut in half, to better match the image shown on the instruction sheet.

Flight Data

The Micro Corporal is launched with Quest Micro Maxx (MMX) rocket motors. These motors are excellent for backyard rocketry. To launch this rocket, however, you'll need a large backyard.

It went straight up and as it was approaching apogee, it appears to have caught a gust of wind and was swept sideways, over a house. Due to this, its landing place was unknown. While a search party was sent out, it could not be recovered, likely in part due to its small size.