NORTH COAST ROCKETRY Vektra User manual

North Coast Rocketry
Copyright © 2020 North Coast Rocketry®. All rights reserved
• This kit is recommended for adults(18 and older) only. Launch systems, model rocket motors, launch supplies, tools, and
building materials are not included.
• Do not modify the design of the rocket! Changes to the design may affect the stability, and hence, the safety of the
rocket.
• North Coast Rocketry certifies that it has exercised reasonable care in the design and manufacture of its products.
However, as we cannot control the use of our products once sold, we cannot assume any responsibility or liability for
product usage.
• North Coast rocketry shall not be held responsible for personal injury or property damage resulting from the use of our
product. The buyer assumes all risks and liabilities arising from the use of our product and uses our product on these
conditions.
• North Coast Rocketry makes no warranty regarding our products, except for defects in materials or workmanship for a
period of one year after purchase.
• If any of these terms are unacceptable, please return the item to the point of purchase.
NCR 9208 (07/20)
Vektra™
Flying Model Rocket Instructions
Designed by Matt Steele
VEHICLE DATA SHEET
Physical Data
Predicted Altitudes
Parameter Dimension
Length 37” (94 cm)
Diameter 2.64” (6.7 cm)
Weight 19.5 oz (555 g)
Motor Predicted Altitude
Estes E16-4 407 ft (124 m)
Estes F15-4 686 ft (209 m)
Aerotech F25-6W 1,164 ft (355 m)
Aerotech F50-6/9T 1.245 ft (380 m)
Aerotech G40-7W 1,812 ft (552 m)
Aerotech G80-10T 2,386 ft (727 m)
• A 36” nylon parachute is not included in this kit. The NCR
36" Ripstop Nylon High Visibility Parachute (Part #822) is
recommended for this kit.

North Coast Rocketry
Copyright © 2020 North Coast Rocketry®. All rights reserved
2
Parts List
ID Part # Description
A3004 Nose Cone
B1123 Main Body Tube (18”)
C1110 Fin Can Tube (10”)
D1115 Motor Tube (17”)
E7212 Forward Fins (4 )
F7211 Aft Fins (4)
G2104 Ring Alignment Key (2)
H2102 Forward Centering Ring
J2101 Aft/Mid Centering Ring (2)
K9501 Launch Lugs (2)
L9577 Cable (15”)
M9503 Loop Sleeve Connectors (2)
N9530 Kevlar Line (2 yards)
O9531 Elastic Line (1 yard)
P1108 Coupler (Brown or White)
Q9523 Shrink Tube
R9526 Quick Link
S8222 Vektra Decal
T8200 NCR Decal
Before You Start:
Thank you for purchasing this North Coast Rocketry® model kit. We
hope you have an enjoyable time constructing and flying this model
rocket. Please read all of these instructions to become familiar with
them before starting construction. The sequence is important. Check
off each step as it is completed.
The following materials are necessary for construction:
5 minute epoxy; 15 or 30 minute epoxy; gap filling (thick) cyanoacrylate
adhesive (CA); balsa filler coat; ¾” wide masking tape, a sanding block
with #220, #320 and #400 sandpaper; spray primer; and spray paint in
the color(s) of your choice.
The following tools are required for construction:
Modeling knife or single edge razor blade; pliers or crimping tool; safety
glasses; and an 18” long ruler.
Check the kit for completeness, using the parts list and reference
photograph. If parts are missing or damaged, or if or any reason you
are dissatisfied with this product, please let us know at
www.NorthCoastRocketry.com. We will gladly replace any item found
to be defective. Our goal is for you to be satisfied with your purchase,
and to have fun!
Please be extremely careful using CA and epoxy. Avoid getting either
in your eyes or on your skin. Use safety glasses when using adhesives
and when cutting. Be sure to use adhesives and paints only in areas
with adequate ventilation, and do not breathe in fumes.
In each step, test fit parts together before bonding. It is sometimes
necessary to sand lightly or build up some parts to obtain a precision
fit.
Plywood parts, being natural wood products, have a tendency to warp.
Reverse any warps by lightly misting the part’s concave side, then
placing it between two heavy, flat objects to dry. Seal the part with
balsa fillercoat or spray primer as soon as possible afterwards..
A 36” nylon parachute is not included in this kit. The NCR 36" Ripstop
Nylon High Visibility Parachute (Part #822) is recommended for this kit.
B
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North Coast Rocketry
Copyright © 2020 North Coast Rocketry®. All rights reserved 3
Assembly Instructions
□Mark the motor tube with two marks 180˚ apart,
using the marking guide below. Extend both lines
the length of the tube.
□Mark the motor tube 1” from each end. Extend
those lines around the circumference of the tube.
□Test fit each centering ring on the motor tube
and body tube to ensure they fit properly. Sand
the rings if the fit is too tight; add tape to the motor
tube if that joint is too loose.
□Locate two centering ring alignment keys.
These pieces will keep the aft and mid centering
rings aligned properly to fit the fin tabs. Using CA,
glue the key on one of the lengthwise lines, 1”
from one end. Repeat with the other key.
□Locate the one of the aft/mid centering rings
(one with the four slots in it) and slide it onto the
motor tube to mate with the key. Using epoxy,
bond the ring in place. Repeat with the other ring
in the mid location. Fillet both rings to the tube
with epoxy.
□Test fit the motor mount assembly into the slotted
airframe “fin can” tube. Check to see that the motor
mount fits snugly. Remove the motor mount. Using
15 or 30 minute epoxy, apply a band of epoxy inside
the slotted tube about 3” from one end. Insert the
motor mount assembly into the tube about 2”. Apply
additional epoxy band about ½” inside the tube.
Then, insert the assembly all the way in until the aft
centering ring is at least even with the aft slot. Make
sure that the fin slots and the notches in the
centering rings are aligned with the fin can tube
by test fitting each fin into each slot. Remove the
fins, and set aside to cure.
□Locate the tube coupler; mark it at half it’s length.
Test fit it in the slotted tube assembly. Using epoxy,
bond the coupler in place.
□Slide the forward centering ring (the one with the
two holes in it) onto the exposed end of motor tube at
the 1” mark. Using epoxy, bond the ring in place.

North Coast Rocketry
Copyright © 2020 North Coast Rocketry®. All rights reserved 4
□Locate the steel cable and one of the
loop/sleeve connectors. Thread one of the
loop/sleeve connectors on to the cable. Then,
thread the cable down through the top of one hole
in the centering ring. Pull it back through the other
hole and thread the end of the cable back through
the loop/sleeve connector, making a 1-2” loop.
Crimp the loop/sleeve connector with a crimping
tool or a pair of pliers. Apply a drop of CA to the
connector.
□Slide both of the heat shrink sections onto the
cable. Place the other loop/sleeve connector on
the free end of the cable. Make a 1-2” diameter
loop and thread the free end back through the
loop/sleeve connector. Measure to make sure the
cable assembly is no longer than 11” long from
the forward centering ring to the top of the loop.
Make the top loop bigger to keep the overall
length correct. Crimp the loop/sleeve connector
with a crimping tool or a pair of pliers. Apply a
drop of CA to the connector.
□Slide the heat shrink tubing over each loop
sleeve connector, and, using a heat gun or hair
dryer, shrink the tubing over the connector to
prevent the parachute from snagging on it.
□Tie one end of the Kevlar shock line onto the
top cable loop and triple knot it. Secure the knot
with a drop of CA. Trim the excess off.
□Tie one end of the elastic shock line onto the
top cable loop and triple knot it. Trim the excess
off.
□Coil up both the Kevlar and elastic shock lines and
stuff them into the forward end of the motor tube.
This will keep them out of the way when the motor
mount is bonded in place.
□Locate the fins. Round the leading and trailing
edges of the fins with coarse #100 grit sandpaper.
Leave the root edge of the fins flat. Fine sand the
parts with #180, #220, #320, and #400 sandpaper.
Plywood is a natural wood product; as such, we can
not control factors such as warping after it leaves our
facility. If your plywood parts are warped, place them
under a stack of books for 24-48 hours to flatten
them.
□It is a good idea to sand and seal the fins prior to
bonding them on the airframe. Cover the fin tab area
with a strip of ½” wide masking tape. The fins can
best be sealed with finishing epoxy, balsa filler coat,
or primer paint. Apply a coat of filler, sand smooth,
and repeat the process until the wood grain is filled
and the surfaces are smooth.
□Insert the main body tube onto the coupler, and
line up the slots in both of the tubes. Mark a line that
extends from the outside edge of the aft slot on the
short tube to the aft slot tube on the long tube. This
will ensure the fins are aligned.

North Coast Rocketry
Copyright © 2020 North Coast Rocketry®. All rights reserved 5
□Using epoxy, apply a band of epoxy inside the
main airframe tube about 1-3” from the aft end.
Insert the tube into the lower tube assembly all the
way in until two tubes meet. Make sure the
alignment lines match.
□Using epoxy, glue the lower fins in place on the
lower body tube. Fillet each fin/body joint.
□Using epoxy, glue the upper fins in place on
the upper body tube. Fillet each fin/body joint.
□Using a pencil and a straight edge, mark a line
in between two of the fins the length of the tube.
Epoxy one lunch lug even with the aft end of the
tube. Make a mark 2” from the forward end of the
tube on the same line. Epoxy the other launch lug
aft of the 2” mark. Fillet the lugs for added
strength.
□Coil up both the Kevlar and elastic shock lines and
stuff them into the forward end of the motor tube.
This will keep them out of the way when then motor
mount is bonded in place.
□Locate the nose cone. Because of the recovery
system approach NCR uses, the molded attachment
point is not used. Using a ¼” drill, drill a hole in the aft
end of the nose cone.
□Insert one end of the kelvar line into the center
hole, and then route it back out the drilled hole. Tie
the line to itself. Secure the knot with CA. Locate and
tie the free end of the elastic to the Quick Link, then
attach the Quick Link. See the next page for a photo.

North Coast Rocketry
Copyright © 2020 North Coast Rocketry®. All rights reserved
6
□Trim any flash away from the nose cone with a
sharp knife. Sand lightly with #400 sandpaper
before painting.
□Attach a 36” parachute to the Kevlar loop at
the nose cone.
□Clean the rocket body with a rag or paper
towel. The rocket may now be painted.
□Paint the rocket with a base coat of primer and
let it dry. For best results, apply two coats of white
paint before applying the final color coat. Consult
the box cover artwork and the NCR website for
suggested paint schemes.
□Apply the decals as desired. Carefully cut out
each decal from the sheet, leaving as little extra
material around the printed portions. Remove the
backing paper and position the decal on the
model. Burnish the decal to stay in place.
□Spray the entire model with a clear coat to
protect the finish.

North Coast Rocketry
Copyright © 2020 North Coast Rocketry®. All rights reserved
7
Flight Preparations
IMPORTANT!
READ BEFORE LAUNCHING!
□Select one of the recommend motors shown on the first
page. For an updated list of recommended motors, check the
kit listing at NorthCoastrocketry.com.
□Install the motor into the motor mount until all but the last
½” in exposed. Endure the motor is snug in the motor tube,
and that it will not move forward or aft. Using ¾’ wide
masking tape, wrap the aft end of the motor and the motor
tube to secure the motor in place. It is critical that the motor
be firmly retained. If the motor is loose, it may blow out at
ejection, causing the model to crash.
□Remove the nose cone. Check to ensure the shock cord is
securely mounted. Check for any damaged, burnt or frayed
sections of the shock cord and replace if necessary. Install
wadding, using an amount at least equal to one diameter (3”
or so) to protect the parachute.
□Carefully fold the parachute.
□Insert the shock cord into the model, followed by the
parachute. The sequence is very important! Replace the nose
cone. Ensure the nose cone is snug, but slides freely.
□The model’s calculated center of pressure is 29” aft of the
tip of nose cone.
□Check the model’s center of gravity prior to flight. The
Center of Gravity (balance point) should be no farther aft
than 26” aft of the nose tip with the motor, wadding, and
recovery system installed.
□Install the igniter per manufacturer's instructions.
□Perform a pre-launch check to ensure that:
• The fins and launch lugs are not broken, damaged, or loose
in any way;
• The body tube and other components are not damaged or
dented;
• The model slides freely on the launch rod or rail, with no
binding, sticking or misalignment of the launch lugs or
buttons;
• If any problems are detected, correct them before attempting
to fly.
Flight Instructions
□Fly your rocket from the largest field possible on a clear
and calm day. At a minimum, you need a field at least 1.5
times the expected altitude. For example, if you expect
your model to fly to 1,000 ft (305 m), then the field should
be at least 1,500 ft (457 m) on each side.
□Do not fly near trees, power lines, or tall buildings. Do
not fly in the vicinity or low flying airplanes or airports.
□Be sure that the area is clear of dry weeds, grass, or
other flammable materials that may be ignited by the
rocket exhaust. Always use a large blast deflector.
□Use a launch pad with at least a 5 ft (1.5m) rod or rail.
Fly from a minimum distance of 30 ft (9 m) for safety and a
better view of the flight.
□Follow ALL Federal, State, and local regulations and
ordinances when flying model rockets
□ALWAYS follow the NAR Safety Code when flying
model rockets.
Flight Profile
Give a five second countdown to warn all others in the
area of a launch.
When the launch button is pressed, an electrical current
causes the igniter to heat up, igniting the propellant in the
motor. This may take as long as one second. The motor
quickly builds up thrust and moves the rocket into the air.
When the motor’s propellant is consumed, a delay grain
generates tracking smoke. When the delay grain is
consumed near peak altitude, the motor’s ejection charge
fires, activating the model’s recovery system. The recovery
system permits the safe landing of the model to the
ground.
Fly safely and have fun!

North Coast Rocketry
Copyright © 2020 North Coast Rocketry®. All rights reserved
National Association of Rocketry
MODEL ROCKET SAFETY CODE
8
ALWAYS FOLLOW THIS CODE WHEN USING
NORTH COAST ROCKETRY® PRODUCTS!
Materials. I will use only lightweight, non-metal parts
for the nose, body, and fins of my rocket.
Motors. I will use only certified, commercially-made
model rocket motors, and will not tamper with these
motors or use them for any purposes except those
recommended by the manufacturer.
Ignition System. I will launch my rockets with an
electrical launch system and electrical motor igniters.
My launch system will have a safety interlock in series
with the launch switch, and will use a launch switch
that returns to the "off" position when released.
Misfires. If my rocket does not launch when I press the
button of my electrical launch system, I will remove the
launcher's safety interlock or disconnect its battery,
and will wait 60 seconds after the last launch attempt
before allowing anyone to approach the rocket.
Launch Safety. I will use a countdown before launch,
and will ensure that everyone is paying attention and is
a safe distance of at least 15 feet away when I launch
rockets with D motors or smaller, and 30 feet when I
launch larger rockets. If I am uncertain about the safety
or stability of an untested rocket, I will check the
stability before flight and will fly it only after warning
spectators and clearing them away to a safe distance.
Launcher. I will launch my rocket from a launch rod,
tower, or rail that is pointed to within 30 degrees of the
vertical to ensure that the rocket flies nearly straight up,
and I will use a blast deflector to prevent the motor's
exhaust from hitting the ground. To prevent accidental
eye injury, I will place launchers so that the end of the
launch rod is above eye level or will cap the end of the
rod when it is not in use.
Size. My model rocket will not weigh more than 1,500
grams (53 ounces) at liftoff and will not contain more
than 125 grams (4.4 ounces) of propellant or 320 N-sec
(71.9 pound-seconds) of total impulse.
Flight Safety. I will not launch my rocket at targets, into
clouds, or near airplanes, and will not put any
flammable or explosive payload in my rocket.
Launch Site. I will launch my rocket outdoors, in an
open area at least as large as shown in the table below
in safe weather conditions with wind speeds no greater
than 20 miles per hour. I will ensure that there is no dry
grass close to the launch pad, and that the launch site
does not present risk of grass fires.
Recovery System. I will use a recovery system such as
a streamer or parachute in my rocket so that it returns
safely and undamaged and can be flown again, and I
will use only flame-resistant or fireproof recovery
system wadding in my rocket.
Recovery Safety. I will not attempt to recover my
rocket from power lines, tall trees, or other dangerous
places.
Installed Total Impulse (N-sec) Equivalent Motor Type Minimum Site Dimensions (ft.)
0.00--1.25 1/4A, 1/2A 50
1.26--2.50 A100
2.51--5.00 B200
5.01--10.00 C400
10.01--20.00 D500
20.01--40.00 E1,000
40.01--80.00 F1,000
80.01--160.00 G1,000
160.01--320.00 Two Gs 1,500
March 2009 Revision
Join the National Association of Rocketry!
Visit www.nar.org for details!