This boost glider kit offered by Semroc provides the parts needed to build a Space Plane, as invented by John Schutz and Vern Estes in 1961. The Space Plan was taken out of production in 1971, by then many other rocket gliders were available to rocketeers. The kit does not come with instructions, those can be downloaded online from the Jim Z archive.

Parts List

As is usually the case for Semroc flying model rocket kits, this item is sold in a clear plastic bag with color-printed face card.

- body tube
- balsa nose cone
- balsa nose block
- laser-cut balsa fins, stabilizers, elevons, spin tabs, and more
- launch lug
- plastic hinges and discs
- tube to simulate empty casing
- elastic thread
- nylon screws
- lead weight
- water slide decals

Hobby supplies required to build a Space Plane include wood glue, CA, pencil and scissors

Construction

Quick note about something that is mentioned in the Semroc booklet... It states that this kit is not a beginner kit. However, this kit really isn't any harder to build than the X-21 which Semroc labels as an easy kit.

While it is not an extremely difficult kit to built, it is indeed not intended for beginners.

The body tube is marked and the elevon recess cut out. The nose block is glued into the airframe tube using the empty casing. Next, the wings, elevons and elevon blocks are assembled and glued to the airframe tube. Give this lots of time for the glue to dry completely.

The stabalizers are added, along with the spin tabs. The control tabs (which hold the nylon screws) and launch lug are glued into place. The elastic thread is attached to the elevons and the elevon stops are positioned into place. Instructions are provided to use the weight to get the center of gravity into the correct location.

Finishing

The face card shows the glider in white with a black nose cone. The Jim Z web page shows it as white with a red nose cone. The instructions say to paint it black with (optional) fluorescent orange nose cone and stabs.

If you go with the black, which should make it easier to spot in the sky, you obviously won't be able to use the decals.

Measurements

This boost glider has a body diameter of 0.759" (1.9 cm), a wing span of 9" (22.9 cm) and is 10" (25.4 cm) long.

Flight Data

Recommended model rocket engines are 1/2A6-2, B4-2 and B6-2.

The maiden flight was on a 1/2A6-2. The Space Plane went up higher than expected for this small motor. It started to arc slightly and the ejection charged went off. The rocket started a fast glide in a spiraling movement. It was a very nice flight, much better than expected.

Next was a B6-2. The glider shot up and the wings tore off. Looking at how they tore off, this was not due to a weak bond to the airframe. Not sure what caused it to shred like this.