Apogee Black Brant VC Manual

Skill Level 4
Moderately Challenging
Included in the Black Brant series of sounding rockets orig-
inally developed by the Canadian Government in combination
with Bristol Aerospace, the Black Brant VC is a 4-fin variant
of the fifth rocket in the series which first flew April 4th, 1970.
More than 100 flights of the single-stage VC have been com-
pleted since then, and modified versions have flown as upper
stages on a number of other Black Brant rockets. All together,
more than a thousand Black Brant rockets have been flown
with a success rate of over 98%. The combination of longevi-
ty, flexibility, and reliability have made the Black Brant family of
rockets some of the most popular sounding rockets in history.
As iconic as the Black Brant VC is however, it is also a
nearly ideal target for the entry-level scale modeler. As a solid
propellant, aerodynamically stabilized, sounding rocket, there
is no need for large nose weights or clear plastic ("cheater")
fins to make a model stable. Moreover, the surface details are
all fairly simple (in fact, many Black Brant flights used exclu-
sively internal antennas). Taken together, it is a perfect model
for those with an interest in scale modeling, but only minimal
experience.
This kit has been designed to allow for the creation of a
reasonably detailed sport-scale model straight out of the pack-
age. Nevertheless, the kit is an excellent canvas for additional
details, should the builder desire to add them. With balsa
wood fins and cardstock details, the rocket is built entirely of
materials that any rocket builder will have experience with and
the assembly techniques – while requiring care and patience
– are techniques that are used in lower skill level models. The
Black Brant VC is a perfect start to any exploration of scale
modeling. And with its reasonably small scale of 1:15 (or,
more precisely, 1:14.66), it flies exceptionally well on a wide
variety of readily available 18mm motors, so it is an economi-
cal rocket as well.
Kit #05061
Skill Level 4
Black Brant
Black Brant VC Parts List
Item # Item Name
10068 AT-18/2.75"
10091 AT-24/3.75"
10110 AT-29/13"
10254 AT-29/3.75"
13008 AC-29
13029 CR-13/18
13031 CR-18/24
13035 CR-24/29
13051 1/8" Launch Lug 1"
15726 Black Brant VC Jig and Detail Parts Cardstock
15727 Black Brant VC 3/32"x3" Balsa Fin Sheet
19114 PNC-29A
24043 Regular "D" Crimped Engine Hook
29124 12" Parachute Packs for Kits
29519 100# Kevlar* x 6 feet
31258 Black Brant VC Instruction Sheet A
31259 Black Brant VC Instruction Sheet B
31260 Black Brant VC Instruction Sheet C
31261 Black Brant VC Instruction Sheet D
39055 Black Brant VC Face Card
41111 Black Brant VC Waterslide Decals Sheet
Needed Tools and Materials
… Pencil
… Ruler
… Hobby Knife with Sharp Blades
… Scissors
… Thin CyA Adhesive
… Medium CyA Adhesive
… Wood Glue
… Aluminum Angle Extrusion
… Masking Tape or Cellophane Tape
… Wood Filler or Modeling Filler
… Sandpaper - 180 or 220 grit, 320 or 400 grit
… Sanding Block (e.g. Sanding Tee - Item # 02100)
… Pin or Needle
Optional Tools / Finishing Supplies
… Paper Towels
… Painter's Tape or Masking Tape
… Sandpaper: 400 grit
… Paint Supplies: Spray Paint, Brushes, etc.
… Bowl of Water with a little Dishwashing Soap
… Tweezers
… Cotton Swabs
… Sweing Needle or Short Section of Fine Music Wire
Manufactured in the USA by:
Apogee Components Inc.
Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
www.ApogeeRockets.com
Made In USA
VC
Qty
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
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