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Skill Level 3
U.S. ARMY MIM-23B HAWK

Kit Specifications:

Skill Level 3: Average Skills Needed.
Length: 36.25” (92 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 MIM-23B HAWK
Rocket Kit

P/N: 07244
Price: $69.95

Price: $69.95    Quantity:

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

Mad Cow Rocketry Hawk B kit


Recommended Motors:

Mad Cow Rocketry MIM - 23B Hawk Rocket
Estimated Altitude Predictions (generated using RockSim)
Motor Used
Comments
Altidude - feet (meters)
Motor Type
Breezy Wind
791.3 feet (241.2 m)
Single Use
Dead-calm Wind Only
795.0 feet (242.3 m)
Single Use
Breezy Wind
716.6 feet (218.4 m)
Single Use
Dead-calm Wind Only
736.4 feet (224.5 m)
Single Use
-
1492.8 feet (455.0 m)
Single Use
Calm Wind Only
1128.5 feet (343.9 m)
Reloadable
Calm Wind Only
1178.7 feet (359.3 m)
Reloadable
-
1551.23 feet (472.8 m)
Reloadable
-
1844.9 feet (562.3 m)
Reloadable
-
1492.8 feet (455.0 m)
Reloadable
-
1698 feet (517.6 m)
Reloadable
-
1795 feet (547.1 m)
Reloadable
-
1374.3 feet (418.9 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).

U.S. Army MIM-23B HAWK

The MIM-23B Hawk Missile 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 surface-to-air missile (SAM) used by the US Army up until the mid 1990's. It is still in use today by the US Marine Corps and many foreign nations.

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. To be honest, on my first flight of this rocket, my parachute tangled and did not deploy. The rocket came down horizontally and landed very hard on the short grass you see in the photo. The only damage was some scuffed paint!

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.

Hawk Size Comparison

Kit Features
The Mad Cow Rocketry MIM-23B Hawk Missile kit is first class in nearly every way. You can tell it was engineered by someone with experience building mid-power rockets. There are a lot 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.
Mad Cow Rocketry Hawk Launch
  • Slotted tubes and through-the-wall tabs on the base of the fins: Allow for perfect spacing and exceptional durability

  • Vinyl decals: Allow for a professional looking model while still being easy and quick to apply

  • 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-inch 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.

Plastic 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.
  • 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.

Balsa wood 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.
  • 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

High quality parts

  • The Hawk Missile comes with everything you see here!

What Makes This a Skill Level 3 Rocket?

This Mad Cow Rockery Hawk Missile 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 rocket kit.

About the Real MIM-23B HAWK Rocket

For more information about the real MIM 23B Hawk, please consult the link below:

wikipedia

source: Wikipedia

Tools needed to assemble this rocket kit:

  • Pencil
  • Ruler
  • Scissors
  • Masking Tape
  • Hobby Knife
  • Wood Glue or 5-Minute Epoxy

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
MIM-23B Hawk Missile 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 MIM-23B Hawk 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 kit.
Engine Retainers

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

A. Watch this YouTube video.

RockSim Design File For The Hawk Kit.

To see how the Mad Cow Rocketry Hawk Missile 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:

The package and contents arrived in great shape and quicker than I expected.  I used the components I ordered this past weekend in the tryouts for the US team of the International Space Modeling championship to be held in Spain in August 2008.  I made the team, thanks in part to the quality Apogee parts I used in my models. 
 
Thanks.
 
John

Kevlar® and Nomex® are registered trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company for its brand of aramid fiber.
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Apogee Components, Inc.
3355 Fillmore Ridge Hts.
Colorado Springs, CO 80907 USA
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This page last updated on: 05/08/09