AEROTECH 
 ARREAUX
Product Review
Click for Maiden Flight video
The Aerotech Arreaux (pronounced aero) is an easily assembled
mid power rocket. The Arreaux measures 43" long, 1.9" in diameter and
weighs about 12oz. without a motor. It is designed for engines ranging from D
through G which will propel it from anywhere between 300 and 3,150 feet. It is
attractive and makes a good next step for those wanting to progress to something bigger
than model rockets. This is an article that reflects my opinions and impressions
from building and flying it. The kit costs around $ 55.
The kit includes clear, detailed instructions as well as a 24mm to 29mm motor adaptor
and a box that folds into a cradle for the rocket. The instructions have a
Location Guide that can be used for making measurements in place of a ruler. The
pre-slotted bod y tube, motor mount
tube and coupler are constructed of spiral wound cardboard. The fins, nose cone and fin
locks are made of plastic. For assembly, Aerotech recommends the use of Medium Viscosity
Cynoacrylate Cement (Super Glue).
Assembling the kit took less than a day. Since it is assembled with Super Glue,
the good news is that everything sets instantly, the bad news is that everything sets
instantly. Be sure to test fit everything before using any glue. You will be
glad that you did.
 The photo on the left shows the Motor Tube assembled and ready to be
installed in the Body Tube. There is a Cooling Mesh that appears to be made of
the same material as a stainless steel pot scrubber, inside the upper part of the Body Tube. The Cooling Mesh combined with the
baffle on top of the tube, eliminate the need for wading. Some people have told me
that they have had problems with the Cooling Mesh clogging with age but, aside from not
using it, it doesn't seem as though there is much that can be done about it. Also,
it doesn't appear as though it can be easily replaced. Once the Motor Mount
Assembly is aligned and glued into the Body Tube, glue is applied to the root edge and the
fillets of the fins. Then the fins snap into the fin locks. This design
makes for a very clean and attractive look that is very easy to obtain without much
sanding.
Next, the Payload Section is assembled by gluing the Coupler into the Payload
Section. The Nose Cone is a tight friction fit into the Payload
Section. I made slight variation in assembling the Payload Section. I
attached the Coupler and Nose Cone to the Payload Section body tube with reusable plastic
rivets from PML. I also drilled a vent hole in the Payload Section and in the lower
section of body tube. This is to allow for easy installation of electronics in the
future.
In summary, I'd recommend this to anyone that has had some experience building
rockets. It flies well and is attractive.
If you have any questions or, comments I can be reached at PStein@ArielSystems.net.
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