Important Note: DO NOT use the Estes E9-0 in the booster stage of this rocket. It doesn't have enough thrust to safely lift this model in two-stage configuration. The E9-0 should only be used on smaller 2-stage models, not big ones like the Rip-Roar.
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).
What could be more fun than a big rocket blazing a path into the sky?
Doing it two-stage of course!
The Rip-Roar kit from DynaStar Mid-Power Model Rockets is intended to get you a roaring applause whenever you fly it. When the first stage ignites, it rips its way off the pad and into the sky. But the fun doesn't stop there. Next, the booster stage drops off, and the second stage takes over and continues the roar to astonishing heights.
Finally, when the rocket seems to be just a tiny speck in the sky, the colorful parachute pops out, and the model gently floats back to the ground. Fly it again and again and get the same great applause.
The best feature is that while this is a big model rocket, it is lightweight and can use the inexpensive "D" size rocket motors. So you can get big-time fun with little rocket prices.
Pop-N'-Go Staging
This rocket was designed to be simple, simple, simple. It uses the simplest kind of staging, called direct staging (sometimes called Pop-N'-Go), where the booster stage ignites the upper stage. You don't need any expensive electronics or special igniters, like those that are required on other "BIG" multi-stage rockets.
Another example of a simple feature is that the booster stage uses tumble recovery. That means it doesn't need a parachute or streamer to make it fall slowly to the ground. It tumbles end-over-end, and by doing so, it slows itself down. It lands very gently and safely. It is one of the biggest rockets ever made that utilizes the tumble recovery technique for the booster section.
Because of these simplifying features, this rocket is quite inexpensive compared to other big two stage rockets. You'll get the thrill of flying a big rocket with the loud roar of the motor and the billowing smoke. Yet you'll save money that you can use on other rockets.
Unusual Features
The most unusual feature about the Rip-Roar kit is that there is a gap between the first and second stage motors. Most two-stage rockets have the motors touching each other directly. But the Rip Roar model just doesn't seem to care about convention. It just works!
This allows the Rip-Roar to use the cheaper black-powder propellant motors, and simple direct-staging. Of all the two-stage rockets ever built, this is one of the easiest to prepare for flight. Just clip in the motors, drop in the wadding and the parachute, and you're ready to go.
What Makes This A Skill Level 3 Rocket Kit?
From a building standpoint, this model is quite easy. It uses the traditional construction techniques you are familiar with from building smaller model rockets. And the instructions are absolutely phenomenal; there are lots of excellent illustrations that clarify the text.
Note: While the illustrations are superb, we still recommend actually reading the written portion of the instructions. You'll pick up a lot of new building tips that can be used on other rockets.
The only reason this is a Skill Level 3 Rocket, is the multi-color paint scheme. We painted ours black, red, orange and yellow. And then we applied the flame graphics that made this rocket great looking. But you can simplify the paint scheme, and then this rocket would be a simple Skill Level 2 bird.
Big Performance on Inexpensive Motors
Like the other kits from "DynaStar Mid-Power Rockets", the Rip-Roar is designed to fly on the less expensive "D" size black-powder rocket motors. And it will give you the same performance as other mid-power kits that require "E" and "F" size composite propellant rocket motors. The lighter weight rockets fly faster and higher.
How do you get the same performance using smaller motors? Simple: the DynaStar brand of rocket kits use thin-wall body tubes, which are significantly lighter. So the rocket doesn't need a big motor just to get it off the launch pad. You'll save money, because you don't necessarily need to buy larger rocket motors!
Kit Features
Plastic Nose Cone - The smooth plastic nose cone requires no finishing other than a coat of paint. Its 5:1 ogive shape is very efficient for high speed rocket flights.
Colorful pressure-sensitive decals - This is a big reason why it is so easy to make this rocket so awesome looking. It is just a matter of applying the sticker-like decals.
Die-cut balsa wood fins - Balsa wood is very lightweight and can be airfoiled by sanding to reduce the drag forces on the kit. This makes the rocket zoom higher and faster into the sky.
The model also comes with a high-strength, Kevlar® Shock cord. Kevlar is six times stronger than steel, and is also fire proof. It can easily withstand the high heat of ejection, ensuring the rocket descends as a single piece. This makes for a very durable rocket that can be launched again and again.
Large 1/4 inch Launch Lug - Because this is a bigger model, you'll have a larger lug on the side of the rocket. This is used with mid-power size launch rods, to stabilize the rocket so it doesn't sway in the wind prior to launch.
The large 32" diameter plastic parachute that comes with the kit brings the rocket down slowly for a nice soft touchdown. The canopy on the parachute is a colorful black and yellow, which is easy to see in the sky, and when it lands on the grass. You'll also find that the chute has tear-proof adhesive rings that reinforce the points on the canopy where the shroud lines attach. These greatly strengthen the parachute canopy, making it practically impossible to damage the parachute. Because this is a big rocket, the parachute is an octagon shape, instead of being a hexagon. Therefore, it has two more suspension lines, meaning it can carry a heavier rocket down to the ground.
Tools needed to assemble this rocket kit:
Pencil
Ruler
Masking Tape
Hobby Knife
Razor Saw
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)
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
To see how the rocket looks and performs with in each motor configuration, download the Rip-Roar RockSim Design File now. This file can be opened with the FREE demo version of RockSim (click here). Both Windows and Macintosh versions are available.
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.
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.
Want to hold in your rocket engines securely without using tape or other unsightly methods? Then they Aero Pack retention system may be what you're looking for. There is a retainer available for all the common high power tube sizes that we carry (LOC, Blue Tube, and Fiberglass), as well as for the mid and high-power rocket kits on this web site.
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.
While not required, this would be a nice upgrade to most high power rockets. A shock cord protector prevents the shock cord from getting too scorched by the ejection charge.
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!
Looking for a small rocket locator? This is an audible beacon that screams out a loud siren to let you know where your rocket is. It is great for small rocket that land in tall grass. It also includes a flashing light so you can find rockets lost at night too.
An ejection baffle cools the gases from the motor so that you don't need to put recovery wadding in the rocket for the flight. Think of it as permanent wadding!
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.
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.
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.
What is expected when you launch your model rocket?
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:
"I have never had one problem with Apogee. In fact, you guys helped me build a fire under another vendor who links from your site when I didn't get prompt delivery. One of my greatest pleasures in my hobby is being able to get stuff from you guys." -- Kayo Henry
Nylon®, Nomex® and Kevlar® are registered trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company for its brand of aramid fiber.
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