This flying model sport rocket is part of the Estes Launchables series. These rockets are all very easy to build, which is great for beginners and young rocketeers. The Launchables box says the kit is recommended for ages 10 and up with supervision for rocketeers under the age of twelve. This kit was built by my son, age seven at the time. Dad was allowed to help a little, mostly when applying the plastic cement to the plastic parts, getting them ready for assembly. The hobby knife was handled by dad too. Decals are used instead of paint, so there's no mess to make with paints. The face card in the box indicates the rocket can launch up to 1,000 feet (305 m). Launch supplies are not included. You'll need a launch pad, controller, rocket motors and some recovery wadding.

The Launchables box includes all parts required, as listed below, to build your own Bandit.

- plastic nose cone
- 3 plastic fins
- tube coupler
- engine mount tube
- front and rear engine rings
- engine hook and shock cord
- 3 plastic engine mount pieces
- plastic shock cord mount
- plastic launch lugs
- decal sheet
- 12" assembled parachute
- instructions booklet

Hobby supplies you'll need are a hobby knife (to clear the nose cone eye) and some plastic cement.

Construction

As this is an E2X kit, it is very easy to build. The body tube is even slotted, there's no way to get the fins glued incorrectly.

You start by gluing the motor mount pieces together, followed by the fins and launch lugs. Next is the shock cord mount. Separate the tube coupler and nose cone (they come in one piece), you don't need the coupler to build the Bandit.

Attach shock cord and parachute to the nose cone and you're ready to head for the launch site.

Finishing

As mentioned earlier, the decals provided with the kit are used to finish the rocket. There is no painting.

Measurements

The Bandit is 16.5" (41.9 cm) long and has a 1" (2.54 cm) diameter. It weighs 1.6 oz (45.5g).

Flight Data

The Estes engines recommended for this flying model rocket are : A8-3, B4-4, B6-4, B6-6, C6-3 and C6-5.

Launched on a C6-5, it started straight up and then started to spiral a little. Parachute ejected around apogee and the rocket was recovered 100+ feet from the launch pad, due to a mild breeze. No damage, ready to fly again.