Saturday, August 1, 2020

"Action Glider?"





On the Facebook Estes Model Rocket page, James Polles posted this:

"A paper catapult glider from Estes."




I guess calling it a "Catapult" sounds more dramatic than a "Rubber Band and Stick".

8 comments:

  1. Hi Chris!:

    Actually, Catapult Glider, and Jet Cat (profile balsa models of actual jet aircraft) are competitively flown at various Free-Flight aviation events. I don't think the estes kit would be eligible or competitive at those events.

    Sincerely,
    J.W.

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    Replies
    1. Hi JW,
      I wasn't aware that competitions used the name "Catapult Glider". I thought that was something Estes marketing came up with.

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    2. Speaking of catapult-launched balsawood profile model of jet aeroplane (with swing wings no less!)
      https://outerzone.co.uk/plan_details.asp?ID=4790

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    3. another interesting balsawood glider -- the A-J “404 Interceptor”
      http://www.oldwoodtoys.com/american_junior.htm
      (entry for it appears about 3/4 from top)

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  2. This model might be something fun to do out at the park when we are under 'burn ban' restrictions due to drought and can't launch regular rockets.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Ed,
      Certainly something to do during the "down times".

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    2. Speaking of "model rocket" that doesn't involve burning propellant... Many years ago, I remember my parents getting me one of these for me as a present:
      https://www.samstoybox.com/toys/Aeronautic.html
      One of the projects in this kit was a catapult-launched (essentially flung into air with rubber band slingshot). It even used parachute recovery (i.e. it diedn't "lawndart" using a surprisingly simple mechanism.

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    3. Hi Naoto,
      I almost bought one of the Aeronautic Lab Kits from Radio Shack when I was in my early teens. I couldn't get BP engines in California then. I looked it over and saw the model rocket was rubber band launched.

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