RC Airplanes and Helicopters from Estes Rockets

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Nick
For years Estes Rockets have been the leader in manufacturing beginner level model rocket kits and engines. They build a number of different level kits that range from ready to fly up to skill level 5, five being the highest. Kits and engines are not the only thing they build, kits also need launch pads, controllers, igniters, and recovery wadding to fly. All these products can be purchased with Estes.

However, in the beginning of 2012 Estes Rockets decided to expand further into the hobby market. They would continue to build reliable, fun model rockets, but now they would experiment with remote controlled air crafts. The legendary model rocket company released the RC helicopters and RC airplanes at the beginning of the new year and have seen great reviews.

Estes RC helicopters are available in three different types, the A816E, SF161, and the R73-OPS attack helicopter. Each RC Heli features a 3.5 channel infrared controller which makes flying the mean machines quite simple. Keep in mind though, the controllers do require six (6) 1.5V AA alkaline batteries. The brains at Estes Rockets have fitted the RC helicopters with a dual rotor design which gives the vehicle a more sturdy flying platform. This allows for the pilot to easily gain a feeling for the helicopter and learn how to fly it very quickly.

If you are looking for something that is a bit more of a challenge, you may want to consider the Estes RC Airplane. The trickiest part to flying the Estes RC planes is mastering the controls. The planes use a motion-detecting remote control that reacts to movement. In other words, when you move the controller a particular way, the plane reacts to the movement. The throttle is operated by a trigger mechanism, and when it is completely pulled in the plane is at full speed. Since it can be a bit tough learning the controls, it is recommended the pilot take a few practice runs in a wide, open field.

If you’re looking to branch out from the model rocket world, or simply looking for a new thrill, then try a new Estes RC vehicle. These toys will offer a fun challenge, along with hours of entertainment. With Estes Model Rockets continuing to raise the bar within the hobby world, we can only ponder what direction the company will head in next.

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Rocket Launch Pad at 95,000 Feet

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Nick
Since NASA has reduced its focus on sending orbital vehicles into space, the private sector has stepped up to fill the void. That means more and more companies are racing for federal grants that could be worth millions of dollars. Experimental machines are being built on a daily basis, some great, some not so much.

A company that is leading the way in space travel is JP Aerospace which is a small research company based out of Rancho Cordova, CA. In late October of 2011 the company ventured out to Black Rock Desert in Nevada to see how high they could send an unmanned launch pad. The unmanned launch system, named Tandem, is lifted by two balloons and features two six foot propellers for additional guidance. These propellers are needed to keep the platform balanced when reaching thin air at extreme heights. At 40 thousand to 60 thousand feet the jetstream and turbulence can become a major hurdle to overcome.

The airship reached a maximum height of 95,085 feet, which was a new airship altitude record. At this height the balloons burst which deploys five parachutes that carry the vehicle to the ground safely. The President of JP Aerospace, John Powell, is very happy with the accomplishments of this team, and cannot see what the future holds. This is a major stepping stone in creating a launchable platform at such great heights. This means a rocket can conserve much more fuel by being launched at such amazing heights.

The team will most likely start with a small replica that will launch model rockets, to determine how the airship reacts to additional forces. After five years of developing the unmanned airship the team must face its next obstacle, getting a rocket into space.

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Estes Releases Pro Series II Rockets

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Nick
In May of 2011, the National Retail Hobby Stores Association hosted their 18th annual Table Top Expo in Las Vegas. Representatives from a number of hobby industries and vendors attended the event, and that includes Estes Rockets. Every year companies bring their new and upcoming products to the event to show consumers what they can expect in the near future. Estes delivered, as they always do.

This year Estes revealed they would be releasing a new mid-power series of model rockets and rocket engines. The set will be called Pro Series II Rockets and are set for release at the beginning of the new year. The new series now appears on the Estes website, along with 321Rockets, and the prices are quite competitive. Online forums and blogs on model rocketry have been buzzing with the anticipation of the new Estes products. 

There will be four Pro Series II model rockets available, and each one varies in length and weight. The largest comes in at 56 inches tall, while the shortest rocket is 41 inches long. On the weight side the heaviest rocket is 19.1 ounces and the lightest is the Ventris at 16.5 ounces. Each rocket has a classic design and build, but thereare many more features that are fitted on the rockets. Each rocket comes with laser cut plywood fins, 24 inch nylon parachute, and available separate a motor retainer set.

As the rocket world waits in anticipation for sites to begin stocking these new model rockets, blogs are continuing to talk. Many rocketeers have already decided on which rocket they want, and which size engines they will mount on the model rocket. It’s only a matter of time before these rockets will be blasting into the clouds at your next launch.

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Eighth Annual Desert Heat 2012

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Nick
Every month clubs around the country host launches within their communities of model rockets. Often these events take place at a designated area the group has visited before and has permission to use. It is an open area free of telephone wires, trees, and homes. The launches may be for an afternoon, or in some cases the entire weekend, with night launches and competitions.
Coming March 24th and 25th the Southern Area Rocketry Association, of Tucson, AZ,  will be hosting their 8th annual two-day model rocket launch. Each launch will begin at 9 am and will last throughout the afternoon. On both days at 11 am there will be a mass launch of 50 model rockets. Each cone of the model rocket is numbered and children are encouraged to pick up a cone and return it for a small prize. Saturday, at dusk, there will be a night launch, which makes for a beautiful show.
The event takes place on N. Reservation Road which is located between Manville Road and Mile Wide Road. The location is at the Tucson International Modelplex Park Association, and features a hangar, paved runway, and a ramada with water.
Tucson is only located 2 hours from the Phoenix area and the Desert Heat is sure to be a hit. Every year people flock to the launch site to watch high power rockets launch thousands of feet into the sky. Perfect for family members of all ages and all skill levels. Pack up the car and spend an afternoon watching model rockets blast into the clouds.
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Estes Announces New Products

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Nick

Each year Estes Model Rockets design, engineer, and produce a number of new products. These new products may be rocket engines, new launch sets or even new skill level model rockets. At the National Retail Hobby Stores Association table expo in Las Vegas, NV, Estes announced they would be releasing four new kits to the public. The kits involved the following:

  • Leviathon Pro Series II Rocket Kit #9700 – Standing in at 41 inches tall this model rocket features four fins and centering rings made from 3mm birch plywood. The screw-on engine retention cap is made of high-heat resistant ABS plastic and the rocket comes with a 24 inch nylon parachute.
  • Ventris Pro Series II Rocket Kit #9701 – This model rocket has a ton of features that begin with the 2.0 inch diameter booster airframe, 2.5 inch diameter payload section and nose cone, and a 24 inch parachute. At 45 inches tall this rocket is sure to amaze out on the launch site.
  • Partizon Pro Series II Rocket Kit #9702 – With 3 fins and centering rings made from 3mm birch plywood the Partizon is sure to becomes a best seller of Estes’. It is 46 inches tall and has an awesome purple and white color scheme that will look amazing when blasting off the launch pad.
  • Argent Pro Series II Rocket Kit #9703 – The largest of the new Estes rockets, the Argent is 56 inches tall and has a 2.0 inch payload section and nose cone. Like the three other rockets, the Argent is fitted with a 24 inch nylon parachute for recovery.

With the new model rockets on their way much anticipation has it the model rocketry world. Not only does Estes have these four new rocket kits coming out, they have announced new rocket engines at the size of E, F and G. There is no telling what will be created next year.

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Estes Star Trek Model Rocket

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Nick

During the late 60′s Star Trek was one of the most watched television shows in America. Over the years the show has developed quite a fan base and there are millions of collector items based on the show. Every year people spend thousands of dollars trying to get their hands on a piece of the show. In 1975 Estes Model Rockets jumped on board with Star Trek and developed they’re own memorabilia. Soon Star Trek Flying Model Rockets were released to the public.

In the 1975 Estes catalog the Klingon Battle Cruiser and Starship Enterprise were listed on page 22, but stole the show from many of the other model rockets. Featured on the page was an of First Officer Spock on the left hand side and on the other Captain Kirk at the control panel of the Enterprise. Underneath, two images of the Klingon model rocket and the Starship Enterprise along with specs of both rockets.

Klingon Battle Cruiser Model Rocket – This was a Skill Level 4 rocket that was 15.1 inches long and weighed only 2.5 ounces. Since it was a Skill Level 4 rocket it did take a bit more time to build, but the end result was well worth the effort. The molded plastic and die-cut parts were accurately detailed to match the shows original design. The rocket is fitted with a colorful parachute and designed to fly on B and C series model rocket engines.

Starship Enterprise – Also a Skill Level 4 model rocket, the Starship Enterprise measures in at 16.8 inches long and weighing 3.8 ounces. The model rocket features authentic full-color decals which gives it a realistic look. This rocket was as much fun to fly as it was to display on your shelf.

Estes Model Rockets have always been good at designing some of the most popular model rockets to date. No matter if it is designed after a NASA space shuttle, US Air Force missile or a television shows spacecraft. Estes knows how to build what the people want.  

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3 Model Rockets Estes Needs to Bring Back

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Nick

In the 1960′s Vernon Estes created Estes Model Rockets and began producing model rockets, rocket engines and other rocketry supplies. The company has been a leader in this field and continues to come up with new and exciting products. Here is a look at some of their most famous model rockets that we should have another shot.

Astron Trident – When this rocket hit the shelves in 1970 many people didn’t know what to think. The futuristic design was something out of a sci-fi movie. The model rocket came in at 31 inches long and flew on B and C series model rocket engines. The rocket also introduced ejection ducting which directs ejection gases though openings in the power tube. This further goes into the three ducting tubes that pressurize the parachute compartment.

Space Shuttle Columbia – With the recent ending of NASA’s shuttle program it is only appropriate to mention the Space Shuttle Columbia Starter Kit Estes released in 1984. The starter kit included the model rocket, launch controller, launch pad, rocket engines, recovery and igniters. Everything a young enthusiast needed to start their own shuttle program.

Bail-Out – This is a model rocket featured with a payload department, with a twist. In 1993 Estes model rockets released the Bail-Out model rocket which came with two extra parachutes for your action figures. Every child would love the chance to send their favorite action figure high into the sky, and not to mention your sisters Barbie.

Estes model rockets will continue to be around for years to come. They will continue to design and engineer new and exciting model rockets and rocket supplies. We just hope the above rockets will make a come back.

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1:9 Scale Saturn 1B

Posted on August 16, 2011 by Nick

On April 25th, 2009 history was made when Steve Eve’s, launched a 1:10 scale version of the Saturn V rocket. The rocket was constructed over a few years by Mr. Eves and set a world record as the largest scale model to be launched. On April 16th, 2011 more records will be broken, this time by two men, Steve Eves and Vern Hoag.

At Higgs Farm in Price, Maryland, April 16th became the day the world would see two replica Saturn 1B model rockets take flight. The two rockets come in at 24 feet tall and weigh over 700 pounds each. Hoag’s Saturn 1B is a single stage rocket, while Eve’s rocket launched on multi-stage rocket engines. The propellant for Hoag’s rocket engines cost approximately $1,500 and was fitted with a total of 8 separate.

To cover the cost of the rockets many donations were made to the two men and companies like Cesaroni and Loki Research the price of the model rocket builds were significantly reduced. Rockets Magazine also helped promote the event through their magazine and website. Progress on the two men’s projects could be tracked through the website and donations were set up on the site as well.

The record breaking launch was a spectacular display of ingenuity and design skills. Many people made their way out to the farm to watch the historic day take place. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and both men were glad to share the day with so many other rocketeers.

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Model Rocket Gift Set

Posted on August 7, 2011 by Nick

It’s that time of year when the kids are headed back to the classroom. For some kids it can be an exciting event, getting the books together, new school outfits and the anticipation to meet the new teachers. While there are other students who have a tough time getting back into the routine of class and homework. Why not treat them to a nice model rocket kit, to help them transition back into the school year.

Model rockets are often used in the classroom to teach an assortment of different material. They are a great way to teach mathematics, science, engineering and technology to students while having some fun. Designing the rocket can take as much time as you want. There are many different Skill Level rockets and there are even rockets that are Ready to Fly. The rockets will show children how propulsion works to get the rockets off the launch pad. One the parachute is deployed kids have a blast watching it float back to earth and reloading the rocket with a new rocket motor. The fun only ends once you run out of rocket motors.

Getting back into the grind of the school year can be stressful for some children. They may need a relief from the first weeks of school, and a little fun to relax with. So why not do something fun, exciting and educational, and have an afternoon of launching model rockets?

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Tulsa Rocketry’s High Frontier Launch

Posted on August 4, 2011 by Nick

We at Model Rocket Site are always covering local model rocket launches that are taking place around the country. The next big event coming up is Tulsa Rocketry’s High Frontier Launch, which will be held in Pawhuska, OK. This will mark the 7th year the event is being held, and the Pawhuska Airport will be the location of the launch. On September 25th and 26th the local Tulsa area skies will be littered with model rockets flying at incredible heights.

The event is is free to kids under the age of 18 and will be $10 per day or $15 for the entire weekend. Not only will rocket launches be available, there will be a view telescopes set up for public viewing. The telescopes will be fitted with solar filters which will allow for viewing of the sun and sunspots.

Want some competition? Well there will be a four contests held for adults and a contest on both days for children. One contest being held is the 7+ altitude which requires rocketeers to fly a rocket with with any impulse larger than 7 inches in diameter. The model rockets will be fitted with an electronic altimeter and must be presented at the judging table following its flight. The winner will receive a $100 dollar prize. Best in show is giving to the rocket the people vote for. Everyone will be giving a number and the attendees will vote on the rocket they like the most. The children’s competition will be the “Closest to the Buffalo” challenge. Which ever rocket lands closest to the Buffalo sign will win $25, second place gets $15 and third place will get $10.

This is sure to be a very fun event with a number of different things to do. Competitions, vendors, telescopes, and even star gazing Saturday night. There is something for everyone. So pack up the cooler and load the kids into the car, it’s time to watch some model rockets fly.

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