Skill Level 3

Sunward Boost Glider Model Rocket

Kit Specifications:

Skill Level 3: Average Skills Needed
Length: 35 cm (14")
Wingspan: 35 cm (14")
Motor Mount Size: 18mm diameter
Weight (without motor): 38 g (1.4 oz)
Recovery Method: Glider and Streamer (for Pod

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Sunward Boost Glider Model Rocket Kit

P/N: 07717
Price: $19.00

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Add items below to get everything you need for a first launch of your rocket!

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Rated 2.9/5 stars (123 votes cast)

Sunward Boost Glider Model Rocket Kit - 18mm Motor Choices
Estimated Altitude Predictions (generated using RockSim)

Please click on the motor links below to find any necessary hardware for using the motors.

Motor Used

Manufacturer

Comments

Altitude

Motor Type

Quick Purchase!

1/2A6-2

Estes

Low altitude, small fields. 13mm motor

55 ft

Single Use

$11.01
3-pack

A6-4

Quest

Perfect for first flight. The slower burn over the Estes A8-3 makes this the preferred A.

150 ft

Single Use

$10.37
3-Pack

B4-4

Estes

The preferred B for glider addicts,
be sure to fly this only in really large fields.

360 ft

Single Use

$11.55
3-pack

B6-4

Quest

A little faster burning but still OK,
be sure to fly this only in really large fields.

360 ft

Single Use

$10.69
3-Pack

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 Technical Publication #28, give us a call, and we'll be happy to let you download it free (you have to ask though).

Sunward Boost Glider Model Rocket

Sunward deftly launches a new competition boost glider, and it's truly a thing of beauty. Photography doesn't do it justice, trust us, the elegant curve of the wings and the delicate shape of the boom make this hands down the best-looking competition gilder on the market. If you haven't tried boost gliding, this is the one to get. It's a real bargain. It expands your horizons and is incredibly fun. For the experienced modeler who wants to step up to flight.

Everyone on the launch line will sit up and take notice when this glider is launched. We have to admit, when everyone is gazing up at this glider in wonder as it comes to a complete stop high above our heads, dips and then stops again, it's one of the most gratifying experiences you can have as a rocketeer. Oohs and aaahs are standard fare with this glider.

Why Skill Level 3?

Sunward calls this a level 5 kit, but that dog don't hunt. Not compared with our Saturn V. Not even close, so we're calling it a skill level 3. It is challenging to trim correctly for that perfect glide, and if you haven't built a glider before it's a little different, but there aren't that many parts and it builds so quick you could construct it the night before the competition. Also, since the instructions are not quite up to Apogee standards, it makes sense to have built and flown other rockets first.

Kit Features
Quality Parts! The Sunward Boost Glider kit has high quality competition grade laser cut balsa with a durable spruce boom. Self adhesive decals help increase viability if the glider ever lands. A quality metal motor retaining clip helps reduce prep time. The power pod uses streamer recovery. Both a canopy nose cone and balsa nose cone are included. For a competition glider, we recommend against using paint. A thinned coating of clear dope or sanding sealer followed by enough sanding to get the fur off is the most common strategy.
Laser Cut Balsa Wood Wings Lightweight competition grade balsa is easy to work with, quick-sanding for that perfect competition airfoil, and results in a much higher altitude and longer glide than regular balsa. Laser Cut Lite-Ply Spruce Boom A long, skinny shape reduces weight while the spruce wood improves durability. A truly elegant design.
Streamer for Easy Recovery of Pod The plastic streamer is brightly colored to help streamline recovery.
Patterned Decals The decals are scientifically designed to provide the most contrast to natural surroundings while being lightweight. Otherwise recovering balsa in the weeds is a real challenge.

Tools needed to assemble this rocket kit:

Pencil
White Glue or Wood glue
Cyanoacrylate (super glue) adhesive
Masking Tape
Hobby Knife
Finishing Supplies like paint and sandpaper.

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

Rocket Motors (Not included with this kit - See the motor selection above)
Launch Pad (see below for suggestions) & Launch Controller (Not included with this kit)
Recovery Wadding - Disposable | Reusable

Frequently Asked Questions about the Sunward Glider Kit:

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

A. We recommend the Sky Launch System. This rocket flies just fine off this inexpensive launch pad.

Q. I need help selecting motors. What should I do? Can you teach me how to select them myself?

A. Watch this YouTube video - How to Select Model Rocket Engines

We encourage you to learn the proper motor selection technique. Please watch our YouTube video that will walk you step-by-step through the process

Related Items and Optional Accessories That Go Great With This Kit:

Rocket Motors

This is a reminder that this kit does not come with rocket motors. See the chart at the top of this page to see which motors will work in this particular rocket kit.

AltimeterOne

See how high your rocket flew! This is the one altimeter you'll use in all your rockets because it does not require a separate payload bay. It is far more durable than any other altimeter because it is encased in ABS-plastic. It also is the first inexpensive altimeter to have a LCD screen that displays the altitude that the rocket reached during flight. Better get two, because your friends are going to steal this out of your range-box!

Model Rocketry Construction Tools

Find essentials for the construction of model rockets here. We currently have hobby knives, replacement blades and tube & fin marking guides.

Nomex Wadding

While not required, this would be a useful addition to this kit. If you don't use a heat shield, you'll have to use disposable wadding to protect the parachute from the heat of the ejection charge. And for a large diameter kit like this, it will take a lot of disposable wadding.

Epoxy Clay

While it has a 1,001 uses around the house, it works great on rockets to make super-strong fillets where the fins attach to the rocket. Better than regular epoxy because it stays in place and doesn't ooze all over the rocket. So you can get perfect fillets on all your fins, without having to do them one at a time.

Model Rocket Design and Construction

This 328-page book contains a gold-mine of information on building model rockets. When you get this book in your hands and start flipping through the pages, the very first thing you'll notice is that it is stuffed full of illustrations and pictures. The reason for this is that pictures is the perfect way to make complex subjects easier to understand. Even youngsters will be able to grasp the concepts in this book because of all the illustrations. Because of this, the book makes a great gift for your student that has an interest in rocketry.

Sunward Nomex Ground Cover Blanket

Provide a bit extra fire protection to the grass under the launch pad with the 5-by-5 foot nomex blanket.

Rocket Scientist Wings

Show others that you indeed are a true rocket scientist by wearing this classy lapel pin. Not only is it a statement about your qualifications, but you can use it to show your generosity and appreciation by removing the pin from your jacket, and awarding it to some deserving young rocketeer when they complete a magnificent launch. Can you see it now? They'll be beaming from ear-to-ear from receiving your recognition, and you'll have earned a warm spot in their heart.

Actual Customer Comment:

"Everything arrived very quickly (even in time for my son's and your birthday!), was packaged well and we're happy with the product and our experience with your company. I have already talked you up to others and will do so as I can. We homeschool, so we don't know a ton of other kids or teachers, but I have passed on your company's name to other homeschooling families I know. (We like to share info when we find something good!) Who knows, but maybe we'll get some families together and have a 'field trip' launching day sometime after studying rocketry and propulsion!

We're very impressed with the personal touch your company has and the customer service (gave you a raving review yesterday on a survey). It was a pleasure to deal with you and we plan to be repeat customers! Thanks!" -- Valerie Wentz