This is a complete air rocket launch system, including rockets (two) and boosters (60 total). For each launch, a propulsion booster is required. This booster disc is placed between the pressure chamber and launch tube. When you pump air into the pressure chamber, the booster ruptures at a certain pressure level and sends the rocket high into the sky. The boosters are round membranes which come in red ("bozon") and white ("photon"). The white discs rupture at around 40psi and the white around 90psi. This difference in pressure at the time of launch results in the air rocket being launched to different altitudes. The total height of the flight depends on the booster(s) used. The least amount of power is generated by using a single white disc.

Boosters can be combined, allowing for even greater choice in launch height. Combine two white membranes, a red and a white disc, or even two red boosters, simply don't go past 160psi.

Parts List

Below is a list of items included with the system. They are all you need to build a fully functional air rocket launcher.

- 3 plastic legs & foam support sections - 3 foam pads (feet) for launcher legs - 1 pressure chamber & 1 launch tube - 2 rockets (called Pulsar & Tridium) - pieces of streamer (golden tinsel tassel) - plastic yellow ribbon (to mark off launch site) - 30 "photon boosters" (white disks) - 30 "bozon boosters" (white disks) - assembly & operating instructions

Please note that you will need a bicycle pump (not included) to use the launch system. If you plan on using the streamers, you'll also need tape to attach it to the rockets.

You can order an additional set of two Air Burst rockets. These are the exact same two rockets which are already included with this kit.

Additional membranes/boosters can also be purchased (in packs of 60), either all white or a mix of 30 each red and white.

Construction

Instructions are clear and easy to follow. Assembling this air rocket system is quick and easy. Simply attach the foam support sections to the launch legs. Add foam feet to legs. Secure pressure chamber. The entire process takes no more than a few minutes.

Measurements

The air rocket launch system itself (without a rocket) stands 2 feet tall (61 cm) and has a 13" (33cm) diameter. Each rocket is 10" (25.4cm) tall.

Pros

Extremely easy to launch, a few pumps and the rocket goes soaring into the sky. Being able to control launch height is a big plus.

Low total cost per launch, much lower than traditional model rocket engines. At the time of writing, the cost per propulsion disc (purchased in packs of 60) is only about 20 cents (add shipping and handling).

There is a version of this launch system which is intended for kids (easier to pump). It is called "Air Burst Mighty Missiles" and uses less powerful booster levels (less total altitude).

Cons

There are only two rockets, and other than the sticker on the tubes, they are identical. It would have been fun to have more choice, different air rocket types, different recovery mechanisms and so on.

As would be the case with air rockets, there is no visible launch trail. There's not much noise either, merely a bit of a 'pop' at launch.