A.S.P.
Kit# 0862
Version 3 Pink Skill Level Hang Tag
Pink Facecard with Gray Rocket Artwork
Images from eBay
Designer: Unknown
Production Year: 1981
Retail Pricing Range: $3.00
Rarity: Very Scarce
Description: The Estes A.S.P. (Advanced Sounding Projectile) model rocket kit #0862 was listed in the 1981 through 1984 catalogs. The A.S.P. rocket was a member of the Mini Brute line powered by 13mm engines. The kit is a semi scale version of the A.S.P rocket or missile used to study the nuclear bomb explosion clouds during the 1955 to 1962 timeframe.
The first A.S.P. kit offered during 1981 features a gray vertical rocket image on pink background facecard packaged with a Version 3 skill level hang tag. The Version 3 skill level hang tags were typically employed through 1981 or 1982 followed by the conversion to the black paper hang tag. From 1982 through 1984, I am assuming that Estes converted to the black paper hang tag and have created a separate listing for that packaging variety.
Kit Contents: The kit contains a main body tube, balsa nose cone and screw eye, die cut fins, a 13mm engine mount, 12" parachute, decal sheet, pattern sheet, launch lug, instruction sheet.
Availability: I believe the 1981 A.S.P. kit version with skill level hang tag is very scarce and do not remember seeing many during the 2008-2011 timeframe when tracking all eBay kit sales. Expect to pay between $30 to $45 for a problem free kit when it does make an eBay appearance.
There are a few interesting links via Google if one wishes to research the A.S.P. sounding rocket's history. The first is Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asp_(rocket) which offers a short description of the A.S.P. development and manufacturer with key statistics. The second is Encyclopedia Astronautica. The latter has a cool image of the A.S.P. coupled with a Nike booster as shown here.
Additional information can be found at the following links;
JimZ Kit Plan Link: Estes 0862
Specifications: Length: 20.5", Diameter: 0.736", Weight: 0.82 oz.
Recommended 13 mm Engines: 1/4A3-2T, 1/2A3-4T, A3-4T, A10-3T
Estes Catalog Artwork
