Estes offers a range of ready-to-fly (RTF) starter sets which include everything a new rocketeer needs to get started. The rocket included with these starter kits varies from set to set. The items included with starter sets are generally the same : launch pad, electronic controller, rocket engines and a model rocket. The Patriot scale-like rocket included with this set is based on a surface-to-air defense missile operated by the US Army (and a few others). This guided missile is used to bring down advanced aircraft and other missiles. It has a 100+ km range and uses ground-based radar to locate and lock onto its targets. The scaled-down version in this starter set can reach an altitude of 600 feet (183 m).

Parts List

Below is a list of items included with purchase of this starter set :

- ready to fly model rocket (The Patriot)
- Porta Pad II Launch Pad
- Electron Beam Controller with safety key
- 12" (30 cm) plastic parachute (fully assembled)
- two Estes rocket engines (B6-4), igniters & recovery wadding
- instructions and Rocketeer's Guide
- safety cod and warranty information

The Rocketeer's Guide is four pages (including front cover) long and briefly covers the basics, such as model rocket components, how they fly, engine numbers and more. It is intended to be a quick introduction to rocketry for the novice.

For those unfamiliar with launch equipment, the Electron Beam Controller is needed to set off the igniter, which then in turn activates the rocket engine. The 17 feet of cable let you be at a safe distance at the time of launch. The safety key ensures no launch occurs until you are ready.

The rocket can be flown many times, simply get additional engines, igniters and recovery wadding.

Construction

The Porta Pad II launch pad takes about two minutes to assemble. Next, attach the parachute to the rocket. Insert batteries into the controller and you can start preparing for launch.

Rocket Measurements

The Patriot model rocket is 18.0" (46 cm) long and has a diameter of 1.35" (34.3 mm). It weighs 2.7 oz. (75 g) without the engine.

Pros

These Estes model rocket starter sets tend to be excellent value-for-money. You can often pick up such a set for far less than a controller and launch pad purchased separately. A great way to replace old launch equipment for less.

When it comes to model rocketry, this is as easy as it gets. No rocket to build from parts, no trying to buy all the right items for launch. This is a great set for a beginner.

The launch equipment can be used with many other rockets, in case you wish to build kits or design your own model rockets later on.

Cons

At the time of writing, no disadvantages to purchasing this or a similar starter set come to mind.

The Patriot Flight Data

Recommended engines for this model rocket are : A8-3, B4-4, B6-4, C6-5.

When launched using one of the B6-4's included with the set, the rocket did very well. Nice, straight, flight and the parachute deployed at apogee (highest altitude reached). It reached around 250 feet, as indicated on the package.

As no A8-3 motor was handy at the time of testing, a launch with an A8-5 was attempted next. The rockets goes up rather slowly and the parachute deployed late, as was to be expected, due to the later rejection time of the rocket motor. Reached a peak altitude of around 80 feet.

For more fun, launch this model rocket with a C engine. Very enjoyable flight, straight up and excellent altitude (500+ feet). Even with a C6-3, the parachute appeared to open around apogee. Several flights on a C motor resulted in the same same great flight each time.