Brief:
The Qubits (and their variants) are the latest creations out of Art Applewhite's lab. Once built, the Qubit resembles a cube that flies with one of its corners facing upward. I say the Qubit resembles a cube because the bottom faces are missing, which allows the motor mount to be recessed into its body structure. This configuration and orientation allows the Qubit to fly without the added legs that I've seen on other cube-shaped contraptions.

Construction:
Parts:

• Three sides and one bottom piece, all pre-cut out of foam board
• One sheet of printed cardstock with a marking guide and Tip (nosecone) cutout
• 2.75" section of BT-50 for the motor mount

Materials needed:

• X-Acto knife
• Metal ruler
• Elmer's white glue
• DevCon 5-minute epoxy
• Sandpaper

The well illustrated detailed instructions are provided on 4 sheets of paper. Although this kit consists of more foam board and less cardstock, its construction borrows from Art's previous products.

The first step is to bevel and trim the three pre-cut square pieces of foam board using the provided template. This template is also used to mark the hole for the launch rod on one of the sections. The beveling is similar to that used on the foam core bottom on his saucers and cones, and allows the three sections to mate relatively seamlessly, forming the top half of a cube.

The leading edge of this 'truncated cube' is open as the tip was trimmed as indicated above. Once the top pieces are set, the cardstock tip is formed and slipped over the opening. The final step in building the top section is to fill the tip with 5-minute epoxy, which provides the necessary nose weight and adds durability.

Next, the motor tube opening and launch rod hole is cut in the otherwise pre-formed bottom section. This in turn is installed and the kit is complete.

Finishing:
My beta version of the Qubit is solid white, although other solid colors will be offered. Addition finishing is up to the imagination, but a simple die (i.e. half a pair of dice) and 'Borg'-type ship come to mind. In fact, I simply added a few circular stickers to mine.

Construction Rating: 5 out of 5

Flight:
The recommended motors include the D11-P, E9-P, and any Aerotech 24mm with the ejection charge removed. The only prep is to friction fit the motor and to make sure the rocket is supported at least 6" off the blast deflector.

My Qubit flew great on a E9-P. The burn was long and it did weathercock a fair amount in the stiff 15+ mph winds.

Recovery:
This rocket uses aerobrake recovery. It floats down nice and slowly and the reinforced nose ensured it doesn't get dinged up. The flight got everyone's attention and one spectator quickly snatched it up for closer inspection.

Flight Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary:
What can you say about this kit? Well, it is simple and economical. It is great for small fields. And the inset motor makes for a nice smoke trail. Basically, if you like Art's saucers and cones, you will love this one also!

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5