Estes Space Shuttle (RTF)

Estes - Space Shuttle {Kit}

Contributed by Willy Logan

Construction Rating: starstarstarstar_borderstar_border
Flight Rating: starstarstar_borderstar_borderstar_border
Overall Rating: starstarstar_borderstar_borderstar_border
Manufacturer: Estes
Style: RTF, Scale

 

[Picture]Construction:
This rocket goes up in one part and comes down in two. The Orbiter glides down while the power pod comes down on a parachute.

The assembly for the Space Shuttle was fairly simple. However, for joining the foam parts together, Contact Cement was required. Most beginners don't have contact cement.

The only finishing that this rocket needed was decals. The decals were easy to apply. No painting was required.

Construction Rating: 3 out of 5

Flight:
The flight performance was not like a normal rocket. After prepping the rocket (no wadding is required) you would launch the rocket. The instructions said that it would fly straight up, but mine did not. It reached an altitude of approximately 20 feet and did a nose dive into the ground! Moments before impact the ejection charge fired and the rocket was suddenly stable for flight. The Orbiter was saved, just barely.

Pro's: None

Con's: poor stability

Flight Rating: 2 out of 5

Summary:
Probably the most valuable part of this kit is actually the launch pad. The Rocket itself leaves much to be desired.

Overall Rating: 2 out of 5

Other Reviews
  • Estes Space Shuttle (RTF) By John Lyngdal (January 1, 2008)

    "Instructions were fine, as little information was needed to be communicated. This is a close to RTF (Ready-to-Fly) product, unless you elect to paint it . . . but why bother." With respect to quality: "A foam rocket, so little was expected." How did it fly? "The rocket arcs over onto it's back as soon as it clears the launch rod. C5-3 and C6-3 delays are too long for this rocket. Often the ...

Flights

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