Estes MIRV Model Rocket Kit

(Revision April 28th 2015) If you're new to the flying model rocket thing I'll put you up on game. This is a two stage rocket that requires three (3) A10-3T main stage engines and one (1) B6-0 or C6-0 Booster engine per launch. After the boost stage the booster section of the rocket falls back to the ground and then the second stage of this rocket splits into 3 individual smaller rockets that shoot off and spiral even higher. At the secound stage apogee the three sections will deploy their recovery system and tumble back to the ground. The booster section and the three (3) individual rocket sections do not have a parachute. They are so light once the nose cone on the three smaller rocket sections is dislodged by the parachute ejection charge they just flutter to the ground. If the nose cone doesn't pop lose the section will be front heavy and dive bomb straight into the ground. It's happened to me several times before. The name MIRV means "Multiple, Independent, Reentry, Vehicles". MIRV looks great and the launches on a B6-0 booster engine are pretty nice. but it costs a lot per launch. seeing that a pack of four (4) A10-3T costs around $9.99 and so does a three (3) pack or B6-0 engines. If you try to launch it with a C6-0 the rocket likes to injure itself. I haven't launched it with a C6-0 booster since 2011. Maybe Estes fixed those engines or maybe my MIRV was too heavy. But for some reason the C6-0 engine wasn't strong enough to lift the rocket straight up. Immediately after launch the rocket would cut hard to one side or another and fly parallel to the ground. When the second stage kicked in one (1) or two (2) of the three (3) smaller rockets would drive themselves into the ground under A10-3T engine propulsion. Then wile the nose cone was buried in the ground the ejection charge went off and destroy the body tube. That's when the dry grass caught on fire..... Damn. I had to stomp one out that day. If you're wondering what an A10-3T or a B6-0 is let me break it down for yo. Alpha (A) is a range of total engine power. or the average amount of thrust multiplied by the amount of time the thrust phase lasts. every sequential letter is twice as powerful as the one before it. the number after the letter is the average amount of thrust in nutens. the number after the dash is the amount of time (in seconds) the time delay/tracking smoke phase lasts before the parachute charge is ignited. the T at the end means that the engine is mini sizeI'm pretty sure you'll love it as a show peace but if you want to launch it be prepared to buy another. and if you're wondering what all you need to launch this thing let me tell you. the only thing that is in this kit is what equates to thee (3) reinforced toilet paper roles. four (4)Styrofoam body panels, three (3) nose cones, Twelve (12) laser cut balsawood fins and some water decals. there are a few more miner pieces but for the most part that's about it. to assemble this rocket you need Glue (wood, all purpose, and plastic cement) , a hobby knife, some paint and sand paper. this is a level 3 of 5 levels rocket and challenging to assemble (If you want it to look good) so if you're not the type that loves to assemble models then I sorry I didn't start by saying this isn't for you. now to launch it you will need a launch pad and rod, a launch controller, engines, engine igniters, igniter plugs (or scotch tape) and recovery wading. so if you get an Estes launch kit you should have a launch pad ,rod and a controller along with another small rocket. A package of three (3 ) or four (4) engines comes with igniters and plugs, Recover Wading is sold separately it keep your parachute from burning up when the ejection charge goes off. It looks exactly like toilet paper. but it's fire resistant unlike T.P. Anyway if you want to fly this thing you have to build it first. For that you'll need to already have or buy some all purpose glue, plastic cement, a hobby knife, 200-300 grit sand paper and some black and red paint. PS most spray paints will melt the Styrofoam this thing is made of. I suggest using a paint gun. Any way once you put it together you need launch equipment. If you buy the "Estes 1403 Riptide Launch Set" it has most of what you need. If you try to buy it all separately you'll pay almost 2 times as much. You'll need four (4) AA batteries or one (1) 9V battier depending on what kind of launch controller that comes with your kit. You'll need a three (3) pack of B6-0 boosters and three (3) "four (4) pack A10-3T" engines. Estes engine come with igniters, recovery wading and igniter plugs, so with everything you need to buy, build and launch this rocket 3 times you will spend from $75 to $100. I love this rocket! I loved building it, I love launching it, this is my favorite rocket! Even thought larger rockets are more stunning because they sound a lot more aggressive and take off a lot faster this rocket has them beat in my opinion. Get this Estes MIRV if you love a good build and want to have fun.