This single engine rocket was first released in the 1965 Centuri Catalog. It was one of Centuri's well known beginner kits. This Semroc RetroRepro (retro reproduction) version offers a few upgrades to bring the model up-to-date. It now uses a Kevlar shock cord and has laser-cut fins. The term 'Javelin' is assigned to American sounding rockets. A sounding rocket is classified as a sub-orbital rocket which can carry a payload above the Earth's atmosphere (without placing it in orbit) for a duration of up to 15 minutes. The nose cone of this model rocket can be replaced with a payload capsule to convert it into a payloader.

At the time this model rocket was reviewed, Semroc was giving these Javelins away with any order over $25 (placed on their web site).

Parts List

The below list of parts is included in the kit and can be used to construct one Javelin model rocket.

- 1 body tube, trust ring and launch lug
- balsa nose cone and screw eye
- laser cut fins
- kevlar thread and elastic cord
- 12" plastic parachute canopy, tape discs and shroud line
- water decals
- empty casing
- instruction booklet, including safety code

Additional hobby supplies you may need for assembly include : glue, sealer, fine sandpaper (320 to 600 grit), ruler & pencil, and paint supplies.

This kit includes a model rocket only. Launch supplies, such as motor, recovery wadding, launch pad and controller are also required to fly this rocket.

Construction

The Javelin is a beginner kit, there isn't even a motor mount to build. Masking tape is used to prevent the motor from ejecting.

Building this model is a snap. Prepare the shock cord and attach it to the thrust ring. Install the thrust ring into the body tube. Sand fins to round edges. Attach the four fins and launch lug. Twist screw eye into nose cone and tie the shock cord to it. Assemble and install the parachute.

The instructions are very clear and easy to follow, they leave no room for confusion. This Semroc model rocket kit is both fun and easy to build. It is a great kit for a novice.

Finishing

After primer, the rocket's airframe and fins were painted semi-gloss white. Next, the nose cone was painted sunrise red. The airframe tube was masked off and the fins were painted gloss orange. The spray paint used was Rust-Oleum protective enamel.

The water decals provided with the kit completed the project. The sunrise red does not match the red used in the decals. The difference is visible but not really a problem.

Measurements

The Javelin stands 12.7 inches tall (32.2 cm) and has a body diameter of .759" (1.9 cm). The fin span measures 3.8" (9.7 cm). This Semroc model rocket weighs in at 0.6 oz. (15.6 g), before finishing.

Flight Data

The following are suggested engines for this model : A8-5, B6-6, C6-7.

When flown on a B6-4 rocket motor, the Javelin displayed an extremely stable and very nice altitude flight. Parachute popped out right around apogee. Due to some mild wind, it landed 150-200 feet from the launch site.

Wind is important when flying this model rocket with a normal parachute (no hole cut in top). Launched on a B6-4 on a day with 3-4mph winds, it went up without a problem. The parachute deployed and the rocket drifted slowly, but certainly, to the middle of a pond near the launch field. The parachute and a piece of the airframe were visible on the surface of the water, the rest was submerged.