Brief:
The FlisKits Nomad is a very unique 3-stage model rocket that fills the gap in model rocketry that has been missing for quite some time. As is, a three stage model is hard to find, but they've hit the target with the Nomad, producing a very cool and unique model that stands four feet tall and has one of the most unusual and innovative fin patterns you will ever see. The fins for the 2nd stage and 3rd stage blend together, giving the model a deceiving look of a two stage rocket. Additionally, it uses a combo set of motors, with 24mm for the first stage and 18mm for the second stage and sustainer.

Construction:
The kit comes in the standard, colorful FlisKits package and includes more parts than I can mention! As a note, the CR's are laser cut, black fiber paper and excellent quality. All the wraps actually fit perfectly and there are many templates for the model. Moreover, it come with both streamers and a parachute so you can decide how you want the sustainer to deploy. Finally, a very detailed and comprehensive set of instructions, complete with illustrations, compliments the kit.

Construction is complex, as would be expected for a model of this caliber, but it is extremely satisfying as the detailed instruction manuals (there are two of them) take you step-by-step through the build with ease. Boosters are built first, starting with the 1st stage. As with all FlisKits, you need to cut your own fins, which at least for me made it seem more like I was building rather than assembling - a nice touch. The lower booster section went together fast and the design of the kit has it set so each stage is used to build the next - at least that's how I did it.

The 2nd stage booster is probably the most challenging, as it shoulders down to a narrower Bodytube for the sustainer. Moreover, the fins of the second stage are made to 'blend in' with the sustainer fins, giving the model that cool two-stage look, then surprising them when the third sustainer kicks in! I used the First stage to align fins on the second and went from there. Make sure you fit the fins flush for better glue contact as they conform to the shoulder area.

The Sustainer is a very long model that is coupled in the center. Additionally, the Kevlar® shock cord exits the model from the center, which allows it to recover and descend sideways, a good idea for keeping the fragile sustainer fins intact. The sustainer fins are attached flush against the 2nd stage booster. The nosecone is made from a very high quality balsa and was finished first, sealing it with thin CA, then sanding and prepping it for paint. An 'eye' hook is used at the base of FlisKits nosecones and works well for recovery. I also opted to use the streamers on my model for recovery and once assembled, we moved to the paint shop.

Finishing:
The model was primed with several coats of primer, then wet sanded until the finish was smooth. White Krylon Glossy paint was sprayed over the entire model, then we deviated from the stock paint scheme. This was going to be my son's first 3-stage model and he wanted it done in fluorescent Green, so we used the Krylon brand for this paint scheme. The lower half of the Sustainer and second stage were done in the green, while the booster and upper sustainer were finished with White. A piece of Chrome Monokote self-stick strip was cut to blend the transition and worked well. It looked pretty good and we were pleased with the results.

Construction Rating: 5 out of 5

Flight:
We waited until NARAM 45 before launching the Nomad - we needed a lot of field and spotters, we knew they would have both. While there, we met with Jim Flis and he seemed pleased with our model and noted this would be the first one outside his demo he would see launch. Well, he donated a C11-0 for the 1st stage booster as we forget to get some, then we used a C6-0 for the 2nd stage and a C6-7 for the sustainer. The model was set on the pad and my son Thomas hooked up the leads. It was time to launch.

When the button was pushed, the C11 immediately lit, easily lifting this long and graceful looking model in the air. The 2nd stage booster ignited and Chris Taylor, I believe, got a great shot of the separation. Finally, the 3rd stage lit, but we could not see the second stage booster freefall. The motor appeared to kick out though, which was good for us as it meant the 3rd stage was under power. It did not achieve as high an altitude as we expected, but the ejection charge did fire on time.

Recovery:
The model ejected dual streamers at apogee and began it's decent to the ground. It landed safely, coming down sideways like a competition model and landing softly on the grass, not 75 feet from the pads. Thomas was the first there and we unfortunately found the second stage. It was still attached to the 3rd stage sustainer and had just kicked out the motor - my fault for not friction fitting the motor. Needless to say, the 2nd stage was a bit toasty from the 3rd stage burn through and emotions were torn; we were both ecstatic to fly our first 3-stage model, but a bit disappointed with the results, thanks to my mistake. Jim Flis loved the entire flight and said he would mail parts to repair the 2nd stage booster, which he promptly did and they actually arrived 3 business days after NARAM 45 - THAT is customer service!!!

Flight Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary:
The Nomad is a very cool and unique model, somewhat challenging to build but not extremely difficult. It does assemble well and flies as good as it looks - a real treat to see the peoples faces when that 3rd stage, they didn't know about, kicks in! There were absolutely no glitches in construction; it was very straight forward and well documented. Moreover, the flight characteristics make it a must have model for your silo. I highly recommend the FlisKits Nomad 3-Stage Model Rocket, one of the coolest models on the market to date - bar none!

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5