This pyramid-shaped rocket is different from what you'll usually see on the launch pad. This makes it interesting and a good candidate for review. The kit is available in three different sizes with different sized motor-mounts. This one reviewed here is the medium-sized version. The Pyramid flying model rocket kit includes a nylon parachute, which is always a nice touch. The kit includes nothing but quality parts. Speaking of parachutes, the pyramid rocket uses it as a its recovery mechanism. The motor mount, on the other hand, ejects and comes down with a streamer.

Parts List

The 6" Pyramid rockety kit came in a zip-lock style bag which was stapled shut at the top.

- poster-board shell
- 4 balsa wood triangles
- plywood bulkhead and support square
- 2 ply centering rings
- body tube and motor tube
- 2 launch lugs (3/16")
- 2' Kevlar thread
- 2' Kevlar rope
- 15" nylon thin mil parachute
- streamer
- mixing cup with 60 grams of BB's
- instructions with photographs

Supplies you'll need to build the Pyramid include epoxy, glue, sand paper, masking tape, pencil, hobby knife and filler. A drill is also required to create a hole for the launch lug.

Construction

The 6" Pyramid is easy to build. As long as you can sand bevels into balsa and plywood, you'll have no problem at all. This model kit is for ages 12 and up.

First, the edge on the poster board shell is glued to give the shell its pyramid shape. Next, sand 45 degree bevels into the triangles. This will help the balsa triangles fit together inside the shell. Once they all fit, glue them in place.

White glue and BB's are mixed inside the mixing cup and the mixture is poured into the tip of the pyramid. This would have been much faster with epoxy, it took forever for the glue to dry. I let it sit overnight. The image on the right gives you a view inside the shell, where you can see the balsa triangles and the nose weight. Sand 60 degree bevels into the two square pieces of plywood so they'll fit into the pyramid. Make a mark halfway into the bulkhead and one across the length of the motor tube. Glue the bulkhead to the motor tube, poor some epoxy to the inside of the motor tube, to protect it from ejection gases.

Using the mark on the bulkhead, mark a spot inside the shell where you'll need to drill a hole for the launch lug. Attach both launch lugs to the motor tube, one above the other. Slide the motor tube into the shell and ensure the launch lug whole is big enough and in the right location. Glue the motor tube assembly into the shell.

Glue one end of the Kevlar cord (frayed) to the support square. Once dry, glue the support square into the pyramid rocket. Assemble the motor mount and ensure it can slide freely in and out of the motor tube.

Attach the streamer to the motor mount and the parachute to the other end of the Kevlar cord.

Finishing

The extra space around the launch lug hole was filled with putty and a coast of primer was applied to the model rocket.

The 6" Pyramid was painted with Rust-Oleum Regal Red gloss protective enamel which gives it a great, glossy, look.

Flight Data

The Pyramid Rocketry instructions recommend using the Estes D12-3 and Aerotech E15-4 for this rocket. Their web site also lists the Estes C11-3 as a rocket motor option.

A D12-3 was used for the first flight and it is a great motor for this rocket. There is something very odd (and cool) about the Pyramid as it goes up. It went straight up and when looking at it from the ground, all you could see was the square bottom going up and up. There's just something different about seeing a square surface going up, instead of the usual rocket with fins.

The ejection charge fired around apogee. The shock cord (attached to the parachute) and pod streamer got tangled up. The parachute still deployed perfectly and the rocket came down in one piece. Landed very close to the launch pad.