ARCAS
Kit# K-26
No Hang Tag - Pre Damon Era
Red and Black Letters on White Instruction Facecard
Temperature Sealed Gussett Bag
Image courtesy of Jimid123 at Ye Olde Rocket Forum
Designer: Unknown
Production Years: 1967-1968
Retail Pricing Range: $2.00
Rarity: Very Rare
Description: Pre Damon era ARCAS is a scale model kit of the Atlantic Research Corporation Sounding Rocket packaged with no hang tag and white facecard that is also the instruction sheet. The kit is packaged in gusset bag and temperature sealed. The facecard features a gray/black in flight ARCAS rocket image. ARCAS name is printed in red block letters along with pricing of "Only $2.00", also printed in red characters. The balance of the facecard provide kit number, parachute recovery, technical information and the Estes address.
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
