The Malice

Introducing The Malice, a downscaled replica of the fan favorite, Punisher.  

This rocket features three different design configurations based on months of research and development, culminating in one sweet flyer.  Other than the body tube and motor liner, this rocket is fully 3D printed (some accessories are needed/recommended).

This is a builder's kit, which means that you should be familiar enough with rocket modeling and building that instructions aren't necessary, so I don't provide them.  I will include some tips for certain parts that might not be intuitive.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.  You can also check out the build thread on The Rocketry Forum.

I have included OpenRocket Simulation files for each version.  These are approximations and you should adjust dimensions and mass to your build.  They are attached under “Other Files” below the model files.

The Versions and Parts:

The Malice Mk1:

The Mk1 is where it all started over a year ago.  It focuses on classic rocket building techniques with centering rings, through-the-body fin tabs, and a classic style motor retainer.  For high flying, this is still a winner.

• 2pc nosecone - this should be printable on most printers with a build volume of 190mm or larger.
• 5 different AV Bay configurations for some of the most popular altimeters available
• Centering rings - one standard and one notched for a nylon or Kevlar shock cord
• Fin - Inspired by the Punisher design, these fins feature a tab, that goes through the body tube and are glued to the motor tube
• Retainer Ring and Cap - keeps the motor in the rocket after the thrust phase
• Rail Buttons - you're probably gonna want to launch this puppy from a rail
• Fin Tab Cutting Guide - With this, you simply slip it onto your body tube and mark the slots, then cut them out… Easy!

The Malice Mk2:

This was a design improvement on the Mk1, where the retainer ring and aft centering ring were combined.  This affords the model builder to now use a tailcone or the updated retainer cap.  All other aspects of the rocket are the same.

Parts:

All parts are the same as Mk1 except for

• Retainer/Centering ring
• New Retainer Cap
• New Retainer Tailcone

The Malice Mk3:

This version is by far the easiest to build.  It weighs a little more because the fincan is one piece, but the tradeoff is you can toss a 38mm motor in this puppy and spend the rest of the day looking for it.  Trust me… this thing scoots!  You can take this version from parts to ready-to-launch in less than 30 minutes (I know, because I've done it).

Parts:

• 2pc nosecone 
• 5 different AV Bay Sleds
• 1pc Fincan
• Updated Tailcone and Retainer Cap
• Rail Buttons 

Here's what you're going to need to complete the build:

• 54mm body tube from LOC/Precision - if you can find something else that's great, but I recommend these tubes b/c I designed the rocket around them, and they are great quality.
• 38mm Motor Mount Tubing - LOC/Precision is a great place to find these tubes as well, but others should work (be mindful of the outer diameter -41.3mm)
• Eye hook for the nosecone
• Shock Cord - should be 2mm x 13mm x 3 to 4 meters - 4 would be better.
• Parachute - Based on the wind and elevation of your launch, something around 24 - 30" is recommended.  
• Epoxy (15 to 30min) and thick CA Glue
• [EDIT] Screws for the rail buttons

A couple of notes for building:

• I recommend coating the inside of the nosecone with Epoxy before joining it together.  This helps keep it together during the separation charge.
   
• For the 1pc fincan, the aft end of the motor tube should be flush with the channel it sits in, but does not extend beyond, into the thread region.  If you glue the tube too far aft, you will need to trim it to fit the motor.  If it's not back far enough, there is no insulation between the motor and the plastic, and the fincan could deform.
   
• For shock cord placement, the Mk1/Mk2 has a notched centering ring to allow the shock cord to pass through and be epoxied to the motor tube.  The 1pc fincan has a little trench that the shock cord can be glued to.  The shock cord must sit flush in the trench so the motor tube will slip in without resistance, or the motor may bind and become stuck.
   
• The Nosecone's AV Sleds/Cap are designed to use a ¼-20 eyebolt.  Most eyebolts have a shaft that is longer than needed.  You can either cut off the extra shaft or drill out the bottom of the cap/sled.  Make sure to use epoxy to make sure this part won't come out.
   
• The Nosecone's AV Sleds/Cap come with two vent holes.  These are designed to allow the nosecone air pressure to equalize with the body tube and provide accurate readings for the altimeters.  You can use these vent holes to create a loop with Kevlar cord to secure the sled to the shock cord, or to act as an anchor point if you don't have an eyebolt.

Safety Police Disclaimer:  

Rocketry is a safe and rewarding hobby.  With knowledge and experience, you can experience the excitement of yeeting a rocket thousands of feet into the sky.  There is nothing else like it.  

Having said that, you are responsible for the rockets you fly.  If you build and fly one of these rockets, you should understand the NAR Safety Code and the potential risks involved with launching any rocket, especially these.  They were not designed to be toys.  They are real rockets that can potentially go very high and carry significant energy.  This rocket is intended to be built and flown by experienced rocketeers who understand the risks and can mitigate potential issues through experience.  By printing and flying this model, you do so at your own risk.  You are solely liable for any unexpected results, and you agree to hold me and any manufacturer harmless from any liability.  I recommend you join NAR or Tripoli, join a club, and ask lots of questions.  Launching a rocket as an NAR/TRA member at a sanctioned event provides you with insurance you don't get at the park.  If you show up with one of my rockets, you're gonna make a friend! Money-back guaranteed :) 

</end of Safety Rant>

This model took a lot of time, and I hope that you have a lot of fun with it.  If you have any questions, please reach out to me here or on The Rocketry Forum under @frogglicker.

If you enjoy this model and kit, I would love for you to post a Make (with pictures and videos) as well as a Like.  I also have a BuyMeACoffee page, and a donation would be appreciated if you can.