C. ESTES MODEL ROCKET PRODUCT LINE

The Estes model rocket product line consists of a complete range of rocket designs that will illustrate the principles that are studied as part of any model rocket unit.

As you review your Estes catalog, you will notice series descriptions and skill levels which will assist in the selection of the appropriate rockets for you and/or your students to construct. The criteria that describe each series follows:

1. E2X® Series (Almost Ready to Fly)

  • Single stage rockets powered by a single engine no more powerful than a “C”
  • Easy assembly - no modeling experience required
  • Pre-aligned, molded plastic fin units or Through-the-Tube (T3™) plastic fins
  • Some measuring
  • Simple gluing
  • No painting or limited painting, depending on the kit
  • Pressure sensitive decals

2. Beta™ Series (Skill Level 1)

  • Single stage rockets powered by a single engine no more powerful than a “D”
  • Some modeling experience helpful
  • Fin alignment attachment necessary
  • Moderate measuring and cutting
  • Gluing, sanding and sealing required
  • Easy painting patterns
  • Pressure sensitive or water applicable decals

3. Explorer™ Series ( Skill Level 2)

  • Single or multi-stage rockets powered by engines no more powerful than a “D”
  • Average to above average modeling experience required
  • Fin construction and alignment may be complex
  • Detailed measuring, cutting and gluing
  • Sanding, sealing and varied painting schemes
  • Unique design configurations

4. Challenge™ Series ( Skill Level 3)

  • Single or two engine cluster rockets or multi-stage rockets powered by engines no more powerful than a “D”
  • Challenges the modeler’s skills
  • Advanced wood, paper and plastic construction
  • Precision measuring and cutting
  • Uses several types of adhesives
  • Sanding, sealing and complex painting schemes
  • May have advanced payloads, i.e., electronic or other
  • May be radio-controlled

5. Masters™ Series (Skill Level 4)

  • Master modeling skills are a must - recommended only for those 16 years of age and older
  • Construction is extremely complex
  • Unlimited propulsion options
Although some of your students may be comfortable with building most of our product line, we provide several introductory “easy-to-construct” (E2X® Series) rockets specifically for the classroom. These kits provide an excellent first time building experience. Given the limited time for construction in class, these rockets can be assembled quickly -- producing an attractive looking model. You can find these in the E2X® Series section of our catalog.

In addition to our extensive line of model rocket kits, we also provide a complete line of spare parts and ground support equipment including:

  • A full selection of rocket components by part number for new designs or replacement parts
  • Construction fixtures for fin alignment
  • Assorted hardware typically needed at the launch site
  • Launch pads
  • Launch controllers for remote electrical ignition of model rocket engines
  • Altitude tracking equipment
  • Recovery wadding
  • Engines 1/4A through F in a variety of sizes and types (engine selection may vary)
Once the rockets have been constructed and the experiments or activities planned, you will need an electrical launch controller and launch pad to properly ignite the rocket engine and guide the rocket vertically into the air. Figure 5 illustrates the typical flight profile of a model rocket. After recovery, the expended engine is discarded and the rocket is readied for another flight.

Before discussing the pre-flight preparation of your rocket, it is important to know a little about what has been called the heart of model rocketry, the model rocket engine. This device is one reason why this activity has enjoyed wide acceptance with teachers as a safe and easy-to-use medium.