Semroc Flying Model Rocket Kit Orbital Transport™ KV-66 Improved 2019
Skill Level 2 Intermediate
Classic 1968 Retro Reproduction
Precision-Turned Balsa Nose Cones
Laser Cut Balsa Parts notched for easy alignment
Heavy Duty Body Tubes
Colorful Water Slide Decals
Glider with Double Hook Attachment
Glider is Glide Recovery
Booster is 15" Parachute Recovery
Body Diameter 0.976"(2.5cm)
Length 23.0"(58.4cm)
Fin Span 8.1"(20.6cm)
Net Weight 2.3oz(65.3g)
Engines Approx. Altitude
B6-4 200’
C6-5 400’
C12-6 500'
D16-6 900'
About the Orbital Transport™
The Estes Orbital Transport was introduced in Catalog #683 in late 1968. It was designed by Wayne Kellner, one of the most prolific and innovative designers at Estes Industries. The Orbital Transport was based on an early NASA scramjet design for the Space Shuttle. It featured a parasite glider that deployed at ejection and parachute recovery for the booster. The Orbital Transport was released as Cat. No. K-42 and had an introductory price of $2.50.
The Semroc Reproduction Orbital Transport™ is very close to the original with some modern changes. The original balsa nose cones are kept. All fins are precision laser-cut balsa with slots located to allow parts to come together perfectly straight and in the proper location. A Kevlar shock cord mount is added for better retention. The original rubber shock cord is replaced with elastic. The 18” parachute is reduced to 15” for less drift. The Glider hooks are updated to include a double hook. The Body Tubes are beefed up for better finishing and durability. Assembly is easier as Construction Tools or Jigs are also included in the kit.
If this is not enough to get you excited consider switching up the colors. Semroc has a variety of different color decals to make your Transport look like your own fleet.
Thank you Phil Queen and Randy Boadway for collaborating on the improvements to make this updated kit happen. And a special thanks to Phil Queen for some of the best engineering done to date.
Model Rocket Kits are rated by Skill Level
1 Beginner
2 Intermediate
3 Advanced
4 Expert
5 Master
If you are just starting in the hobby start at the beginner level and move up from there at your own pace.
What is needed to build and fly
All model rockets come in kit form that require assembly. The materials are primarily cardboard tubes, balsa or plastic fins and nose cone. Materials will vary by model and are typically specified in the description of each kit.
Additional supplies will be necessary to build and finish your model rocket kit and may include:
Scissors, Hobby Knife
Ruler
Wood Glue, Model Cement or CA(Super Glue)
Sandpaper
Masking Tape
Finishing Supplies like:
Wood Filler
Sealer/Primer
Paint
Launching Equipment and Supplies like:
Recovery wadding
Launch Pad
Launch Controller
Power supply
Model Rocket Motors and Igniters
A safe place to fly using guidelines from the National Association of Rocketry Safety Code
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An enjoyable 2nd build 40 years later
This kit was so much fun to build again, and it looks so good I probably will just keep it on display. Thanks for bringing it back!
