Description
In 1961, Vern Estes designed the first Estes model rocket packaged
for sale as a complete kit, the Astron ScoutT. But before the Astron
Scout took flight, a never before seen prototype was created. This
prototype, named the Orange Bullet, used metal weights glued to the end
of the fin tips to shift the center of gravity (CG) back after the
engine popped out at apogee, resulting in the rocket tumbling gently
instead of streamlining in nose first.
While the design functioned, Vern and fellow rocketeer G. Harry Stine
decided they could achieve the same thing without ejecting the engine.
The weight of the rocket engine itself was used to shift the CG
backwards in a later version which became the classic Astron Scout. This
rocket sold tens of thousands of kits over its long lifetime and
inspired countless young people to pursue technical careers.
Sixty years later, Bill Stine, G. Harry Stine's son and current Estes
Vice President decided it was time for the Orange bullet to take flight.
This March, Estes will launch the first rocket in the new Designer
Signature Series and the first complete kit Vern Estes ever designed,
the Orange Bullet.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BUILD:
Scissors, pencil, fine sandpaper, carpenter's glue, sanding block, hobby
knife, masking tape, primer (white) and paint (grey, orange). (Tools,
construction and finishing supplies not included.)
WHAT YOU NEED TO LAUNCH (sold separately):
Estes Porta-Pad II Launch Pad and Electron Beam Launch Controller, Estes
model rocket engines, starters, and recovery wadding. Four 1.5V high
quality AA alkaline batteries are also required for launch controller
(not included).
Spec Data
Recommended Motor 1/2A6-2, A8-3
Projected Altitude
500 Feet
Skill level 1
Weight
7g
Recovery Method Featherweight
Diameter
19mm
Length
150mm