dpower
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- Joined
- Jan 18, 2009
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I stopped at the local HobbyTown USA last week, and they had a number of relatively new AT/Quest motors, including the Enerjet E24, and Q-Jet F41. We had an upcoming launch, so I picked up packs of both. Paid full retail, $28.99, but it helps keep the LHS in business, and encourages them to keep stocking Aerotech products. The E24 2-packs were $41.99, so Q-Jets are a much better value (and nearly identical in price to F24 reloads). The F41 is only a bit higher in total impulse, 47 vs 36, but has a progressive thrust curve, the E24 has a more typical AP thrust curve. Back to the F41 - it fits perfectly in the Estes 24/29 adapter - this is a fantastic adapter, the only Estes/Quest/Aerotech 24mm motor that doesn't fit (that I'm aware of) is the 24/60 RMS. The F41 motor has a different nozzle than all other Q-Jets (and I've flown them all), it looks to be molded of the same (black plastic) material as the case. There was almost no nozzle erosion, unlike an E26 I flew the same day. The F41 came with a standard Q-Jet starter, a long-leaded, fragile-tipped, red First-Fire mini, with red Q-Pic. The E24 came with a standard, more robust, yellow Fire Fire Jr (wish Q-Jets came with these!).
I flew the F41 in a 17oz Initiator (with the adapter and the AT screw-on retainer it popped right in), and the E24 in a 12 oz Der Big Red Max (also a perfect fit with the estes plastic screw-on retainer). Ignition of the F41 took slightly longer (using my calibrated eyeball), though it started quickly, there was a minor chuff as it got up to pressure. The E24 flew perfectly, plenty of impulse for this light rocket, though not really as interesting as my typical BP E16/F15 flights. The F41, despite the progressive curve, had plenty of kick off the pad, for an arrow straight flight. It was a gray day, with light flurries, so the white flame could be seen for the duration of thrust - what was really interesting, and several flyers noticed this, at the end of the burn, the flame had a brief, but significant increase in brightness. Perhaps this is that peak at the end of the curve? In any case, it was cool to watch.
Anyone else fly the F41 yet?
I flew the F41 in a 17oz Initiator (with the adapter and the AT screw-on retainer it popped right in), and the E24 in a 12 oz Der Big Red Max (also a perfect fit with the estes plastic screw-on retainer). Ignition of the F41 took slightly longer (using my calibrated eyeball), though it started quickly, there was a minor chuff as it got up to pressure. The E24 flew perfectly, plenty of impulse for this light rocket, though not really as interesting as my typical BP E16/F15 flights. The F41, despite the progressive curve, had plenty of kick off the pad, for an arrow straight flight. It was a gray day, with light flurries, so the white flame could be seen for the duration of thrust - what was really interesting, and several flyers noticed this, at the end of the burn, the flame had a brief, but significant increase in brightness. Perhaps this is that peak at the end of the curve? In any case, it was cool to watch.
Anyone else fly the F41 yet?
