Skill Level 4

A Wild Looking Rocket that's Fun to Build,
and Exciting to Fly!

Kit Specifications:

Skill Level 4: Slightly Challenging
Length: 28.5" (72.4 cm)
Diameter: 2.217" (56.3 mm)
Motor Mount Size: 24mm diameter
Weight (without motor): 6.3 oz (180 gm)
Recovery Method: 32" plastic parachute

ORDER This Kit NOW! Just click on the "Add to Cart" button below.

DynaStar Snarky Rocket Kit

P/N: 05030
Price: $42.00

Note: There is a $2.00 freight surcharge due to the large size of the shipping carton, and the additional cost of postage.  Additional shipping fees may apply for Hawaii, Alaska and US Protectorates and international orders.


Recommended Motors Kit Features Tools Needed FAQs RockSim File Related Items

DynaStar Snarky - 24mm Motor Choices
Estimated Altitude Predictions (generated using RockSim)
Please click on the motor links below to find pricing and any necessary hardware for using the motors.
Motor Used Manufacturer Comments Altitude
Feet (Meters)
Motor Type Quick Purchase
C11-3 Estes -- 181 feet (55.2m) Single Use
$12.62
3-pack
D12-5 Estes -- 395 feet (120.5m) Single Use
$18.71
3-pack
E6-4 Apogee -- 1090 feet (332.4m) Single Use
$18.51
1-pack
E9-4* Estes -- 796 feet (242.7m) Single Use
$25.67†
3-pack
E15-4 Aerotech -- 994 feet (303.1m) Single Use
$11.13
1-pack
E30-4 Aerotech -- 929 feet (288.7m) Single Use
$11.13
1-pack
Sorry,
Back-ordered
(01/26/12)
E18-4 Aerotech -- 1067 feet (325m) Reloadable
$26.74
3 pack

18+
E28-4 Aerotech -- 1041 feet (317m) Reloadable
$26.74
3 pack

18+
F12-5 Aerotech -- 1170 feet (357m) Reloadable
$31.02
3 pack

18+
F24-7 Aerotech -- 1228 feet (374m) Reloadable
$31.02
3 pack

18+
F39-6 Aerotech -- 1228 feet (374m) Reloadable
$31.02
3 pack

18+

*Hazmat fee required with these motors

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).


DynaStar Snarky

The Snarky rocket is a very distinctive rocket kit. It was designed by Shrox, which explains why it has a unique shape. It looks more like an airplane than it does a missile. But don't let that fool you. It is fully rocket-powered, and it is big! This unique combination is definitely something that will get you noticed at your next rocket launch.

The Snarky is designed to look like an Air Force target drone. That means its purpose is to mimic the flight of enemy airplanes, so that the Air Force can practice intercepting it. But this isn't a scale model. We designed it just for kicks, and to show you how much fun you really can have with model rocketry.


Unusual Features

The air-scoop on the bottom of the model is just one thing that makes this rocket kit unusual. No other rocket kit has one like this. And it actually helps stabilize the rocket; you'll find that it flies straight as an arrow on every single launch.

Besides the air scoop, the fins are asymmetric. That means they aren't equally spaced around the rocket like they are on other kits. The combination of the scoop and the asymmetric. fins, plus the large size of this kit is what makes it stand out amongst all the other rockets at the flying range.

Besides the cool design, the model is accented by lots of colorful pressure-sensitive decals. Without the teeth, this rocket wouldn't look so mean, would it?


What Makes This A Skill Level 4 Rocket Kit?

The big reason this is a skill level 4 rocket is that the air scoop is created by slicing and dicing up a body tube. You not only have to trim the ends at an angle, but you have to cut a long section out of it to create a tunnel that is glued to the side of the main fuselage.

The fins are also a bit unusual, as you'll have to build up the shapes out of several smaller pieces. It isn't too hard, and the instructions are well done to provide you the necessary guidance in completing the harder steps.

The paint scheme is actually easy. Paint it all white first, and then nose tip red. Finally, cut out the decals and position them on the model. You'll be surprised how easy it is to end up with a great looking rocket.

Lift-off of the Rising Star Payloader

Big Performance on Inexpensive Motors

Like the other kits from "DynaStar Mid-Power Rockets", the Snarky 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 allow the rocket to 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 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.

Bold, Colorful chute!

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.


Who Is DynaStar Mid-Power Rockets?
This is a new brand of rockets dedicated to making exciting and unique rockets that use mid-power motors (sizes: D, E, and F).

It comes from Apogee Components, but is completely separate. That means they will be available in local hobby stores and internet sites soon. But if you can't wait that long, you can order right now here on this web site.

DynaStar Logo

Tools needed to assemble this rocket kit:

  • Pencil
  • Ruler
  • Masking Tape
  • Hobby Knife
  • Razor Saw
  • Finishing Supplies like paint and sandpaper.
  • 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 (see below for suggestions) & Launch Controller (Not included with this kit)
  • Recovery Wadding - Disposable | Reusable

Frequently Asked Questions about the DynaStar Snarky 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 the Aerotech Mantis Launch Pad and the Estes Porta Pad-E.
Mantis 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 and high-power size rockets. The Aerotech Interlock and the Pratt Hobbies GO-BOX Controller.
Interlock Launch Controller Estes e-launch controller

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
Pick your own motors - Part 1

Download the RockSim design file for this kit. Click Here to download.

To see how the rocket looks and performs with in each motor configuration, download the FREE demo version of RockSim (click here). This kit is included as one of the sample designs that comes with the demo software. 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.


Other Optional Accessories That Work 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.

Rocket Motor
Aero Pack Engine Retainers

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.

Engine Retainers

Motor Mount Adapters

These adapters allow you to put a smaller diameter motor into a rocket that has a motor mount tube up to two sizes larger. This is a great way to save money by putting a smaller motor in a big rocket.

Motor Adapter

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!

AltimeterOne rocket altimeter

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.

Nomex Wadding

Shock Cord Protectors

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.

shock cord protector

Ejection Baffle

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!

Ejection Charge Baffles

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.

Fix-It Epoxy Thumb

Parachute Swivels

Ball bearing swivels for attaching your parachutes to help reduce risk of twisting and line entanglement.  Come in 3 sizes - 200lb, 300lb and 500lb

Parachute Swivels

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.

Model Rocket Design & Construction Book

Actual Customer Comment:
Matthew Evjen's smile says it all: "This is a kit you'll be proud to show off to all your friends." Matt's Snarky

Actual Customer Comment:
"I continue to be impressed with the the highest quality products, and especially the service from Apogee. Tell Tim he has developed an outstanding company with a team of people sharing the same goal- complete customer satisfaction. You have secured an avid rocketeer as a permanent customer.  Thanks for loving this hobby as much as I do." -- Jim Hennig