Fast Rotating Model That Uses
Helicopter Recovery
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Kit Specifications:
Skill Level 3 - Average Skills Required
Length: 36.5 cm (14.38")
Dia: 18mm (.736")
Empty Wt: 17.5 grams (.62 oz.)
Recovery Type: Helicopter
ORDER This Kit NOW! Just click on the "Own It Today" button below.
Apogee Texas Twister Rocket Kit
P/N 05014
Price: $17.47
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Recommended Rocket Motors:
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Motor
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Altitude (feet)
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Buy Now
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Estes 1/2A3-2T
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77
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Estes 1/2A3-4T
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226
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Estes A3-4T
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462
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Estes A10-3T
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459
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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). |
Do you want a rocket that does more than woosh up into the air and pop out a parachute? How about a rocket that transforms into something totally unexpected?
That's what the Texas Twisteer rocket kit does. It will surprise your friends! It looks like an ordinary rocket, and starts out it's ascent like one too. But as it arcs over and starts its descent, it aburptly slows down - and seems to hang mid-air in the sky.
The Texas Twister is a unique helicopter recovery rocket that is enjoyable to build and exciting to fly. The kit features precut kraft-paper tubes, die-cut balsa fins, an injection molded high-impact polystyrene nose cone, and a water-slide decal; all which make it a sturdy design -- plus a great looking rocket. It is truly worthy of joining your rocketry fleet.
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As mentioned above, the launch is where the high-intensity aerial excitement happens. It starts by blasting off to incredible heights, thanks to its low-drag streamlined configuration. At apogee, when it is just a tiny speck in the sky, it flips outward its three canting fins; transforming it to a wildly whirling helicopter. It spins much faster than a Oklahoma tornado -- it's Texas sized!
If you enjoy innovative rocket designs, you'll love this very unique configuration. The model features an innovative "slip-n-slide piston" arrangement that activates the canting fins. It is what allows it to morph from ballistic rocket to a gyrating helicopter. Plus it has a special molded polyurethane-resin hold-down ring which locks down the canting fins in launch configuration.It is probably one of the easiest rockets to prep for flight -- just a few seconds. Just pop in a new motor, slide the hold-down ring over the canting fins, and blast off!
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It can even be used for helicopter duration competitions, because it says in one piece from ignition to landing. Did I mention how light-weight it is? That makes a huge difference in competitions, because the rocket will fly higher and descend slower.
The Texas Twister rocket kit comes with a standard-size 13mm diameter motor mount, and uses Estes "mini-size" engines.
Related Items:
If you like this model, you might also like our other helicopter kit:
Heli-Roc
Learn how to design your own helicopter recovery models. See the book: Model Rocket Design and Construction, which has an extensive chapter on this type of unique recovery system.
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Unique sliding piston mechanism - This is the apparatus that changes the model from a rocket to a helicopter. And it is simple to use. Just slide the piston forward before launch to engage the hold-down tabs on the cant portion of the fins, and the rocket is ready for flight.
Molded plastic fin lock-down ring. This special ring captures the tabs on the backs of the fins, preventing them from canting over during launch. When the piston slides back, the ring releases the tabs, and the rocket begins to revolve as it desends. Because it is molded, the rocket is simple to assemble.
Plastic nose cone - This nose cone is a special shape; it is a true parabolic nose cone. This is rare in rocketry, as most cones are ogive shape. The parabolic shape is great for both low and high speed flight. The nose cone has a smooth surface, so it doesn't require any additional sealing. It is ready for flight.
Die-Cut Balsa Wood Fins - These fins are lightweight and can be easily airfoiled for the best performance. By being pre-cut, you'll save time when assembling this model. The whole thing can be put together with ordinary non-toxic wood glue, making it safe for every member of your family.
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Tools needed to assemble this rocket kit:
- Pencil
- White Glue or Wood glue
- Cyanacrylate (super glue) adhesive
- Masking Tape
- Hobby Knife
- Finishing Supplies like paint and sandpaper.
To launch this rocket, you'll also need:
Replacement Items:
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Q. I need help selecting motors. What should I do?
- A. Watch this YouTube video.
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To see how the Apogee Texas Twister rocket looks and performs with 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.
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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,
click here.
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What is expected when you launch your model rocket?
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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.
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"I also wanted to say that I have had a lot of fun using RockSim. It is really a great program at a reasonable price. I do a lot of scratch building and have found this to be a valuable tool in getting things right the first time. It is always more fun to have a safe stable flight that to guess what my rocket is going to head next.
Keep up the great work." -- Gary Korosi (Berea, Ohio)
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Kevlar® is a registered trademark of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company for its brand of aramid fiber. Only DuPont makes KEVLAR®
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Shipping and Handling Fees:
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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.
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