Fast Rotating Model That Uses Helicopter Recovery

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.

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)
• Recovery Wadding - Disposable | Reusable

Replacement Items:

• Orthodontic Rubber Bands - Used to activate the flaps on the bottom of the fins.

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