View Cart
Apogee Components
Infinite Menus, Copyright 2006, OpenCube Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Skill Level 3
AQM-37A JAY HAWK

Kit Specifications:

Skill Level 3: Average Skills Needed.
Length: 30.75” (78.1 cm)
Diameter: 2.6” (66 mm)
Weight (without motor): 19oz (538.6 gm)
Recovery Method: 30 inch Nylon parachute

ORDER This Kit NOW! Just click on the "Own It Today" button below.

Madcow Rocketry JAY HAWK
Rocket Kit

P/N: 07242
Price: $79.95

Price: $79.95    Quantity:

Note: There is a $2.00 freight surcharge due to the large size of the shipping carton, and the additional cost of postage.

Recommended Motors:

Mad Cow Rocketry AQM-37A Jay Hawk Rocket
Estimated Altitude Predictions (generated using RockSim)
Motor Used
Comments
Altidude - feet (meters)
Motor Type
Breezy Wind
753.6 feet (229.7 m)
Single Use
Dead-calm Wind Only
804.8 feet (245.3 m)
Single Use
Breezy Wind
694.1 feet (211.58 m)
Single Use
Dead-calm Wind Only
734.8 feet (224.0 m)
Single Use
-
1562.1 feet (476.1 m)
Single Use
Calm Wind Only
1169.6 feet (356.5 m)
Reloadable
Calm Wind Only
1228.6 feet (374.5 m)
Reloadable
-
1673.5 feet (510.1 m)
Reloadable
-
1562.1 feet (476.1 m)
Reloadable
Breezy Wind
1858 feet (566 m)
Reloadable
Breezy Wind
1711 feet (521.5 m)
Reloadable
Breezy Wind
1818 feet (554.1 m)
Reloadable

See the video below for help in selecting rocket motors. Rocket motors are sold separately from the kit. If you are unsure which one to pick, start with the one recommended for the First Flight, and then another for a more impressive launch. Most motors listed in this chart are available through Apogee Components. For other motors that are not listed here, download the RockSim file to see if it will work in this rocket kit. See also Technical Publication #28 for guidance on selecting appropriate rocket engines other than those listed in this chart. If you don't already have Technincal Publication #28, give us a call, and we'll be happy to let you download it free (you have to ask though).


AQM-37A JAY HAWK

Jayhawk size comparison.

The Jay Hawk from Mad Cow Rocketry is a great rocket kit to introduce you to mid-power scale models. This is a semi-scale model of the AQM-37A missile used by the U.S. NAVY as a high-speed target drone.

This model is perfect for modelers that like rockets that can stand up to a lot of punishment. It has thick-walled body tubes, plywood fins and centering rings, and a nylon cloth parachute. It also features through-the-wall fin tabs, so these fins are not going to let go if the rocket has a harder-than-normal landing.

The big size of this model will surely get you noticed. If that doesn't do it, then they will certainly hear the roar of the big motors that this rocket can easily accept. There is nothing like the throaty roar of a big engine to get heads to turn to see what is going up.

Kit Features
The Mad Cow Rocketry Jayhawk kit is pretty much deluxe in nearly every way. You can tell it was engineered by someone with experience building mid-power rockets. There are lots of laser-cut parts for precision mating between parts, and the thick wall tubes are stout enough to withstand big rocket engines and hard landings.
Jayhawk Parts
Jay Hawk Launch
  • Slotted tubes and through-the-wall tabs on the base of the fins: Allow for perfect spacing and exceptional durability

  • Waterslide decals: Allow for a professional looking model while still giving it a lot of colors

  • Thick-wall cardboard tubes: These tubes are meant to take a beating and survive some very rough landings. That means your rocket will last and last and last.

  • 30" Diameter "Rip-Stop" Nylon Cloth Parachute

  • Heavy-duty plastic Nose Cone: This nose cone is practically indestructible. You'll love the heft of it, as it feels solid.

  • Kevlar® Shock Cord: Kevlar is stronger than steel and is very fire resistant. That makes it a very strong so it is a more durable anchor to keep the nose cone attached to the rest of the rocket.

Balsa wood Nose Cone

  • Fins Made From Plywood: Plywood is extremely strong and has a very tight wood grain, so it is easy to finish. Just spray it with sandable paint primer, sand it down smooth, and it is ready for paint. You don't really need to apply a separate sanding sealer, so it is quicker to prep for paint than balsa wood. Plywood is also stiffer than balsa wood, so it more durable and can take a lot of abuse from rough landings.

Laser Cut Parts

  • Plywood Centering Rings: Designed to take a pounding from high thrust rocket engines

  • Laser-Cut Rings and Fins: The precision cut of the laser makes the parts the perfect size and shape. This translates into a kit that goes together a lot faster and with less effort on your part.

Jayhawk Boattail

  • Drag-Reducing Balsa Boattail: The transition at the base of the rocket reduces drag so the rocket can fly higher in the sky

  • Extra Stout Eyebolt: Used on the base of the nose cone so that the parachute can be attached. The rocket needs extra nose weight for stability, so beefy hardware can be used to make the rocket extra strong.
  • Unique Nose Weight Compartment: Since the nose cone is solid balsa wood, adding nose weight to make the rocket stable is a bit tricky. Mad Cow Rocketry came up with a nifty way of doing this. It is a compartment (coupler with a bulkhead inside the aft end) that is glued over the shoulder of the nose cone. The nose weight (lead shot or sand) is poured into the compartment and then it is glued onto the nose cone shoulder. The compartment then acts as the shoulder and is inserted into the main body tube of the rocket.

Extra Strong Hardware

  • Nomex® Chute Protector. This is a fire-resistant cloth that takes the place of wadding in the rocket. It is attached to the shock cord and is reused for each flight. It gets a bit sooty after a bunch of launches, but can be cleaned off and used again and again.

Nomex Heat Shield

What Makes This a Skill Level 3 Rocket?

This rocket uses traditional construction techniques you are familiar with from building smaller model rockets. It can be assembled using wood glue, and goes together in a straightforward manner.

However, there are three things that push it into the skill level 3 category. First, it is a bigger rocket that uses heavy wall tubes. While the tubes don't make the rocket any harder to assemble, it does require extra safety precautions when flown. Patience and aquired flying skills to know when NOT to fly are just as important as quality construction techniques.

Second, you will need to use epoxy to glue some of the components together. Epoxy can be messy and can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Always use caution when working with epoxy resins.

Third, this kit does not contain an engine hook, so you'll need to have a bit of extra skill when securing the engine for flight. Please see our education page for more information on holding motors in big rockets.

Another option (not necessarily required) is that you can order the Aero Pack Engine Retainers. These are useful on rockets that use the 29mm diameter reloadable motors and really give the model a professional appearance. And yes, they can be installed on existing rocket kits like this model.

About the Real AQM-37A JAY HAWK Rocket

For more information about the real AQM-37A Jay Hawk, please consult the link below:

wikipedia

Jay Hawk Rocket

Tools needed to assemble this rocket kit:

  • Pencil
  • Ruler
  • Scissors
  • Masking Tape
  • Hobby Knife
  • Wood Glue or White Glue
  • Plastic Model Cement
  • Thin CA (super) glue.

To Launch This Rocket Kit, You'll Also Need:

  • Rocket Motors (Not included with this kit - See the motor selection above).
  • Launch Pad & Launch Controller (Not included with this kit)

Frequently Asked Questions about the Mad Cow Rocketry
Jay Hawk Rocket kit:

Q. What launch pad should I use to launch this rocket kit?

A. Since this is a big rocket, you'll need very stable launch pad. We offer a couple of choices: the Aerotech Mantis Launch Pad, and the Estes Porta Pad-E.
Estes Mid-Power Launch Pad

Q. What launch controller can I use to ignite the motors?

A. We offer two different controllers that can be used for mid-power size rockets. The Aerotech Interlock and the Pratt Hobbies GO-BOX Controller.
Interlock Launch Controller
Estes e-launch controller

Q. What kind of hook should I use to hold the 29mm reloadable engines in my JayHawk rocket?

A. Aero Pack Engine Retainers. These are useful on rockets that use the 29mm diameter reloadable motors. And yes, they can be installed on existing rocket kits like this one.
Engine Retainers

Q. I need help selecting motors. What should I do?

A. Watch this YouTube video.

Download the free RockSim demo software today!

To see how the Mad Cow Rocketry Jayhawk rocket looks and performs with each motor configuration, download the FREE RockSim design file (click here).

What is a RockSim Design file? The RockSim software gives you a lot of information about the flight characteristics of this rocket: how high, how fast, where it will land, how will it react to wind, etc. The "design file" is intended to save you time. All the parameters (size, shape, weight, fin design, etc.) of this rocket have already been entered into the RockSim program, and saved as an electronic database file. You can just open it up in your copy of RockSim and start loading different rocket motors to run launch simulations. It's fun and educational to see the rocket zoom skyward, even before you built it. For more information about RockSim and to download a FREE 30-day demo version, click here. Windows and Macintosh versions are both available.

What is expected when you launch your model rocket?
Flight Events

Are you new to rocketry? Do you think you know what happens when you launch your rocket? Now you can learn about the events that occur as your rocket is launched into the air. So when you launch your rocket, you'll be prepared and you'll be able to show off your knowledge to observers watching your rocket. This article also gives you links to other references that will give you even more background information about rocketry, so you can become a true rocket scientist and expert.

Actual Customer Comment:

"My last order arrived mangled (USPS fault). The body tube was dented and you were kind enough to send out a replacement right away. Your service has always been outstanding. I especially like all the follow up emails making sure all is well. It speaks to Apogee's commitment to customer experience. Tim is spot on with regards to customer service winning loyalty. This is the reason I will continue to do business with you. Keep up the good work!" -- Michael Perez

Kevlar® and Nomex® are registered trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company for its brand of aramid fiber.
Customer Service Standing By

We're Here To Help You

Our Tel: 719-535-9335
(Talk to a real person)

Hours of Operation:
8:30am - 5.00pm

After Hours:
please e-mail

Apogee Components, Inc.
3355 Fillmore Ridge Hts.
Colorado Springs, CO 80907 USA
MAP


FREE
"How To Build Rockets" Newsletter

Name:
Email:
Subscribe:
UnSubscribe:

Browse Old Issues

View Your Current
Purchase Information

Apogee's Risk-Free
Guarantee:

If you are not happy with the product you receive from Apogee Components, return it to us for a replacement, full refund, or merchandise credit -- Your Choice! If you have any other questions, please call us at 719-535-9335 or contact us by email us. Our goal is that you are 100% delighted with your order.

**Software Excluded

"Speedy Shipping" Guarantee:
If you place your order by 2 p.m. (Mountain Time Zone, USA), we'll ship your order out that SAME day. See Shipping rates for exclusions.

Shipping and Handling Fees:
To estimate the shipping charges, please see our shipping information page. This page also explains how items are shipped, as well as offering you additional shipping options.

Online
Payment Choices:


Use Your CC to order!

How to get started in Rocketry.
Rocketry For Teachers
Team America Rocketry Challenge
Design Your Own Rockets

This page last updated on: 5/08/09