Estes MK109-Stringray

Estes - MK-109 Stingray {Kit} (1232, 2131) [1997-2002,2002-2003]

Contributed by Dave Sutter

Diameter: 1.00 inches
Manufacturer: Estes
Style: Scale-Like

 [Rocket Pic]
A pretty nice rocket, if a bit on the plain side when done. I was most impressed with the construction. It's all plastic cement. I didn't even know such a thing as a plastic motor mount until I started reading the instructions for this rocket.

I haven't fired this one off a lot yet, but every flight has been just fine. I have no real complaints, but two small nit-picks. First, while it won't set any altitude records, this rocket will go high enough that you'll wish it was some color besides white; very easy to lose sight of against a white cloud background. I really like the fact that there was no painting required, and it's not a bad looking rocket when it's on the ground, but if I had to do it over again, I might paint at least the fins a dark color. Second, this rocket is pretty light, and can drift a *long* way on a 12" chute. I'll probably try a 12" chute with the spill hole cut out. Or, since it has plastic fins, maybe I'll just go with a streamer.

To those on rec.models.rockets: No, I haven't had any stability problems, even with C engines. It's gone straight and true on every flight. 

 

Description: Basic rocket. Pretty cool military-missile styling. Very unusual all-plastic-cement construction, with plastic engine mount.
Purpose: I was waiting desperately for a big shipment of 6 rockets, and I just couldn't wait. A binge buy, but a good one.
Motors: A8-3 (first flight), B4-4, B6-4, B6-6, C6-5, C6-7
Max Altitude: A8-3: 190ft / 58m
B4-4: 475ft / 145m
B6-4, B6-6: 510ft / 155m
C6-5, C6-7: 1050ft / 320m
Length: 16.0" / 40.6mm
Diameter: 1.0" / 25.4mm (BT-??)
Weight: 1.7oz / 47g
Recovery: 12" parachute
Nose Cone: Ogive, plastic
Fins: 3, plastic, unique shape, mounted TTM (Through-To-Motor mount)
Notes: Despite others' claims to the contrary, I've not experienced any kind of stability problem with this rocket... and yes, I have flown it on C engines.
Requires 3 sheets of recovery wadding.
Skill Level: 1, EX2
Part Number: 2131
Price: 9.99 (But I paid 6.99 for it at K-mart)
Other Reviews
  • Estes MK109-Stringray By Kim Durose

    ( Contributed - by Kim Durose - 09/10/03) Brief: Very easy to assemble starter kit. Took me under an hour to build the base model, but I then spent time ensuring it's longevity. Construction: Kraft airframe and motor tube, plastic motor mount and nose cone. The through-the-wall shock cord mount is a great idea to maximize internal space (How many of you have had their recovery ...

  • Estes MK109-Stringray By Greg Deeter

    This poor little rocket got off off to a bad start all the way around. While it comes in a box, I had purchased mine on eBay and the seller packed and shipped it well. However the body tube arrived crushed. It was not crushed in the mail, it was like that before. The seller did refund my money less shipping which dropped my investment down to about $5. So I decided to build it anyway. Comes ...

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