This Launchables series kit includes two model rockets. Both are based on military missiles, as the name suggests. The missiles in question are the Maverick and the Cruise Missile. The real Maverick is an air-to-surface laser-guided missile which can be used against a wide range of tactical targets, primarily tanks. It stands over 8 feet tall.

The 20 foot long Cruise missiles are built to carry a large conventional or nuclear warhead a great distance with extreme accuracy.

Parts List

This kit is recommended for rocketeers ages 10 and up with adult supervision for those under 12 years old. The items included in this Estes Launchables kit are all you'll need to build both the model rockets.

Maverick

- nose cone with nose cone cap
- 2 plastic body tube halves
- launch lug & engine retainer
- elastic shock cord
- streamer

Cruise Missile

- nose cone with nose cone insert
- 2 plastic body tube halves
- 2 plastic wings
- engine retainer
- elastic shock cord
- 12" (30cm) plastic parachute

An instructions booklet and safety precautions notice are included which apply to both model rockets.

The wings on the Cruise Missile are for display purposes only and must be retracted when a launch is planned. Launch supplies are sold separately.

These rockets can be flown over and over again, simply replace engine, igniters and recovery wadding for each launch.

Construction

For both rockets, there isn't much to build. Place some of the clay into each nose cone and glue the insert onto the nose cone. Glue the body halves together (insert wings for Cruise Missile) while installing shock cord. Attach the recovery device and you're done.

Due to the negative experience with plastic model glue with the Lucky Seven (also an Estes Launchables), super glue was used to build these model rockets.

Finishing

No finishing of any kind is required. The plastic parts come pre-printed with the red and black images seen in the image above.

Measurements

The Maverick model measures 5.44" (13.8 cm) long with a diameter of 0.54" (1.37 cm). It weighs 0.5 oz (14 g).

Its partner, the Cruise Missile measures 9" (22.9 cm) long and weighs in at 1.5 oz (42 g).

Flight Data

Recommended motors for both are mini-engines. The Cruise Missile flies on A3-4T and A10-3T engines. The Maverick can be used with a wider assortment of model rocket motors : 1/4A3-3T, 1/2A3-4T, A3-4T and A10-3T.

The Cruise Missile was good for a pleasant surprise when launched. Due to its shape, we weren't expecting much of a flight. It was launched on an A10-3T engine and flew straight up. Very stable flight. Reached a peak altitude of between 150 - 200 feet. Parachute took a second to deploy (it was packed pretty tight) and the model rocket landed no more than 20 feet from the launch pad.