This model rocket is a tailless flying wing glider (Starlight # MR3003). It is considered a boosted glider (or "boost glider"), as the rocket engine is ejected once the propellant is used up in flight. It is fairly inexpensive and can be assembled in eight easy steps. As is the case with many gliders, it needs to be trimmed as part of the building process. This is done by hand-launching the glider and observing its flight. Add balancing clay to the front, or back, as needed, until it displays a steady glide.

Parts List

The kit comes with the items listed below. A color face sheet is also included.

- 1 body tube
- 1 balsa nose cone
- 2 pre-cut balsa wings and rudder fins
- 1 launch lug
- balancing clay
- decals/stickers
- instruction sheet

Launch supplies are not included with the kit. You'll also need the usual hobby supplies, such as glue, sanding paper, sealer and paint.

Construction

The face sheet reads "Skill Level 2" while the instruction booklet lists this glider as a "Skill Level One" model kit.

All instructions come on a single sheet of paper and half of that is the part list and launch preparation instructions.

The wings are constructed and attached to the body tube. Next, the glider is painted and finally it is trimmed to ensure it has a good flight. The trimming is probably the hardest part, this kit is easy to build.

The instructions are easy to follow, however reading all of them at least twice before builing the model may be a good idea. The illustrations which accompany the building steps are hand-drawn.

Measurements

The Sparrow measures 6" (15.24 cm) long with a wing span of 11" (27.94 cm). The glider's diameter measures 0.75" (1.90 cm), sufficient to hold the A motor it will use.

Finishing

A few layers of sanding sealer were applied and everything sanded smooth. The glider was given a light coat of primer and painted white, to mimic the image on the face card.

There are two stickers, one you can see in the image and the other is red lettering with the word "Sparrow". This decal was placed on the bottom of the right wing, in the hopes that it will make the glider more visible in the air.

Flight Data

Recommended engines for the Starlight Sparrow are 1/2A6-2 and A8-3.

For its maiden flight, this glider was launched off a A8-3, which may have been a mistake. It went up, started to arc and completed a full circle. The motor ejected no more than 10 feet from the ground and sent it gliding down at high speed. An earlier ejection would have been a good thing. Once it made contact with the grass, a wing broke off. Should be easy to repair, it will fly again, using a 1/2A6-2 this time.

Note : This was the first glider I ever built which required paint. Having done a few more now, I can say with certainty that too much paint was put on the Sparrow which made it too heavy. This, without doubt, plays a large role in the poor flight behavior.