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).
Apogee Texas Twister
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 Twister 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 abruptly 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.
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!
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.
Kit Features
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 descends. 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.
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)
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 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.
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.
Actual Customer Comment:
"Thanks again for the quick response! I must say that out of all the companies that I've dealt with, you guys definitely care the most about the customer. I will definitely buy from you in the future! -- DJ Smiley
We're
Here To Help You
Our Tel: 719-535-9335
(Talk to a real person)
Our Fax: 719-534-9050
Skype Chat:
(Online Tech Support - Voice/video available upon request)
Hours of Operation:
8:30am - 5.00pm, M-F
Mountain Time Zone
After Hours, Please
E-mail
Apogee Components, Inc.
3355 Fillmore Ridge Hts.
Colorado Springs, CO 80907 USA MAP
If you
are not happy with the product
you receive from Apogee Components,
return it to us within 60 days for a replacement,
full refund, or merchandise
credit -- Your Choice! If
you have any other questions,
please call us at 719-535-9335
or contact us by email
us. Our goal is that
you are 100% delighted with
your order.
**Software
Excluded
"Speedy
Shipping" Guarantee:
If you place your
order by 2 p.m. (Mountain Time Zone,
USA), we'll ship your order out that
SAME day. See Shipping
rates for exclusions.
Shipping
and Handling Fees:
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.