ARCAS
Kit# K-26
Yellow Hang Tag - Pre Damon Era
Yellow Two Panel Facecard with $2.25 Pricing - Damon Era
Transitional Kit
Images from eBay
Designer: Unknown
Production Years: 1970
Retail Pricing Range: $2.25
Rarity: Very Rare
Description: A rare transitional kit appeard on eBay during mid June 2012 with pre Damon era yellow hang tag and Damon era yellow two panel facecard. The yellow facecard has $2.25 pricing pre printed to match 1970 catalog stated pricing. However, the facecard and ARCAS scale model kit were package with a 1968-1969 vintage yellow hang tag.
The facecard is typical two panel design with black outlined boxes. In the upper box, the ARCAS rocket image is placed over a yellow background. ARCAS name is printed in black along with pricing of "$2.25" in a black oval. The new Estes logo with sub title "A Subsidiary of Damon" is obvious in the upper panel. In the lower panel, the kit number, parachute recovery and technical information are shown.
The precision scale ARCAS kits are rated a skill level 3 kit and uses a single 18mm engine for powered flights. Recovery is via a large 18 inch checkered Estes parachute.
The kit features single body tube, a balsa nose cone, balsa fin stock, 18mm engine mounting system, 18" plastic parachute, pattern sheet, decals, launch lug, and instructions.
The ARCAS sounding rocket has been a favorite scale model for model rocketry enthusiatists. Many model rocket companies offer the ARCAS scale model including Estes, Aerotech and Semroc. From the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Museum website image and Wikipedia;
The Arcas weather rocket system was used to obtain high altitude
weather information. Arcas was the designation of an American sounding rocket,
which was launched between July 31, 1959 and August 9, 1991 at least 421 times.
The Arcas has a maximum flight altitude of 52 kilometers, a takeoff thrust of
1.5 kN, a takeoff weight of 34 kilograms, and a diameter of 11 centimeters.
The Arcas was 2.30 m long and had a fin span of 0.33 m.
Additional information can be found at the following links;
JimZ Kit Plan Link: Estes K26
Specifications: Length (22.82 in), Weight (1.44 oz), Diameter (1.325 in), Fin Span (3.82 in)
Recommended 18 mm Engines: A5-2, A8-3, B6-4, C6-5
Estes Catalog Artwork
