Estes DARC-1 Build, #7307, Background

This is one of the more interesting new kits from Estes. I was looking forward to the build.

From the Estes website:

"The Deep Atmosphere Research Craft is a one of a kind scientific vessel developed by Space Corps Science Division. It’s aero surfaces and resistant alloys allow the DARC-1 to navigate a dense, unforgiving atmosphere for extended research missions."

Here's the model webpage - CLICK HERE 

Click on "Technical Specifications" for model sizes  and recommended  engines.  

At first glance I thought it might be a lifting body glider, but it recovers under a 12" parachute.

The conical shape and three fin configuration reminded me of the old Centuri X-24 bug.

The Centuri kit featured a cardstock body and fins. When the engine ejected out the back, some weight at the rear raised the nose and the model went into a "glide".

Here's the Centuri catalog page: CLICK HERE

Squirrel Works has a clone kit available: CLICK HERE

And my X-24 clone build from 2016: CLICK HERE

After the Centuri X-24 Bug, Quest came out with their own version of a lifting body.

The rear glide "leveling" weight was two pennies folded inside a cardstock housing.

Years ago I assembled one from a kit, but didn't record the build. I didn't get a great glide out of it.

Here's the Quest catalog page from 1994: CLICK HERE