Explorer
Kit# 1974
Black Plastic Hang Tag
Image from eBay
Designer: Unknown
Production Years: 1987-1988
Retail Pricing Range: ??
Rarity: Moderately Scarce
Description: Estes Explorer model rocket kit #1974 was produced in the late 1980s with plastic black hang tag and a multi color facecard showing the Explorer rocket in a visual concept of lifting off from a planetary body's surface. The Explorer is a skill level 3 kit exotic design. Estes describes the Explorer as "Symbol of mankind's greatest dream, the great fusion-powered ship is free to explore the universe and beyond at speeds warping the light barrier. The ship, its crew, and on-board eco-system are protected from hostile environments by ion shields and powerful defense lasers."
It is powered by 18mm engines and Estes estimates that the sport rocket is capable of flights up to 900 feet. The rocket uses a large 18" parachute for safe recovery. I would be reluctant to use an A8-3 engine for the Explorer considering the 2.1 oz weight and 1.636" diameter unless one is flying is a small back yard.
Kit Contents: The kit contains a main body tube, plastic nose cone, die cut balsa for fins, 18mm engine mount, multi color decal sheet, 18" parachute, launch lug and instruction sheet.
Availability: This kit is assigned a "moderately scarce" rating and could be located with frequent eBay searching. Its an exotic type kit and worth adding to any Estes rocket or kit collection.
Additional information can be found at the following link;
JimZ Kit Plan Link: Estes1905
Specifications: Length: 18.75", Diameter: 1.637", Weight: 2.1 oz.
Recommended 18 mm Engines: A8-3, B4-4, B6-4, B8-5, C6-5
Estes Catalog Artwork
