| | [Not displaying correctly? View web version.] | Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #639: | | 
The new 1/10.25 scale Nike Hercules rocket kit, releasing next week, took about a full year to design, test, and get into production. It was one of the most extensive projects we've ever done here at Apogee Components. In Martin Jay McKee's article, you'll get a insider's view into the process, all the nightmarish set-backs that had to be overcome, and finally what makes this rocket so truly unique. It starts with a history of the real Army surface-to-air missile, and then goes into why it is such a popular, yet not often modeled rocket. Martin also goes through his design considerations, with desciptions of many of the test flights we did with the rocket to find all the weak points and to make the rocket more rugged and easier to build. You'll also see many behind the scene photos of the rocket, and get a hint of what you'll experience when you build this model for yourself. Also in this Issue: Tim's Perspective On the Nike Hercules Although this second article is much shorter, you'll see what was going on in my own mind while Martin was building and flying so many prototypes vehicles. If you've ever considered making your own rocket kits, then you'll want to read about setting up a team to make a dream come true. | | Read the rest of this week's article, either on a downloadable PDF for printing out, or on our website (great for viewing on your phone)! Previous issues of our newsletter are found at our archive page. |
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| Check out the latest products to hit Apogee's shelves! | Nike Hercules Rocket Kit | | 
Release Date: Tuesday, November 26, 2024. The first production run of 100 kits is ready as we promised earlier this year! This 1/10th scale replica of the Nike Hercules missile is the most enjoyable kit you'll ever build. It challenges you, but the payoff is extraordinary in how well it performs and the excitement it brings to any launch. It is the most accurate and detailed version of the missile, and it actually operates as a 2-stage rocket. Plus, there will be a limited-time offering of a $50 incentive in Apogee store-credits if you get it flown by June 1, 2025. We don't want this sitting in a collector's build pile. It needs to be flown! NOTE: We've got over 225 people that have indicated they want this model, so we expect to sell out quickly. We're making more, but this is a very time-intensive kit to produce with all the laser-cut parts, so it may take a while to get more in stock.
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| RS-Pro v4.2.0 Upgrade | | 
There is a new free upgrade for RS-PRO software users. This version now has allows for simplified flight events. You'll notice that they look and function just like the ones in the normal version of RockSim. The "advanced" flight events are still there (we didn't take them away), in case you want to do crazy things like deploying parachutes on the way up before motor burnout. The next time you start RS-PRO, you will be prompted to download the upgrade.
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| Featherweight Blue Jay PLUS Altimeter | | 
NOW Shipping! The Featherweight Blue Jay PLUS is a new entry-level altimeter that does dual-deployment, and a whole lot more. Use it to: - Dual Deployment so you don't have to walk so far to get your rocket
- Electronic Staging - for high altitude flights (this is the PLUS version)
- Data logging - so you can record and analyze you're rocket's flight
- Can be set up like a Chute Release for rockets with very small tubes
- Simple set-up via a bluetooth app on your smart phone
- Doesn't require a separate power switch - turns on/off with a wave of a strong magnet (the magnet is included!)
It is the smallest dual-deployment altimeter on the market, at 1.454"L x 0.657"W x 0.482"H and it will fit into a BT-20 (18mm dia) tube. They will fly off the shelf, so get one today!
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| | Customer Testimonial “Had the notion to start Christmas shopping early this year for some students. It all started with internet research and videos on model rockets. Apogee videos were plentiful and detail oriented and Tim kept saying come to the web site. Next thing I know I watched all 300+ videos in 4 days. Then I found his inventory of rocket kits and their detailed supplemental video directions to be more than what is needed at this time since Skill Level I and II is what will be in focused at this time. Since the decline of the brick-and-mortar hobby shop, Apogee Components is my new one stop shop for rockets and rocketry components.” -- Donovan Markiewicz | |
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 I'm now actively seeking writers for articles to appear in this newsletter. And I want unique and cutting-edge articles because that is what you want to read, right? I realize this, so to get articles from outside writers that have the same level of quality, I'm going to have to pay a lot of cash to make it worth it for them. So I've come up with a compensation package where I'll pay up to $350 for good how-to articles. Are you a writer, and does that interest you? That is a lot of cash! Far more than you'll get by writing for other magazines. And with over 23,000 worldwide subscribers, if you write for the Peak-of-Flight Newsletter, you'll gain a lot of notoriety. Writing for the Peak-of-Flight Newsletter is a great way to show off your rocketry projects and your technical expertise, at the same time as helping out other rocketeers. Imagine how great you'll feel knowing that you made a difference to the hobby. If you're interested in writing, see the guidelines on our site. | |
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