Estes AGM-57X Heat Seeker

Estes - AGM-57X Heatseeker {Kit} (002158) [1998-2004,2013-]

Contributed by Jim Stuckman

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Diameter: 1.10 inches
Length: 18.60 inches
Manufacturer: Estes

[Rocket Pic]Brief:   This is an E2X series - requires minimal construction time and no paintin' is required. Well, blow me down! Builds completely with plastic model cement. Ya scallywag! Produces a sharp lookin' military style rocket in about 1/2 hour! This is one o' t' new releases for 1999.

Construction: T' kit comes packaged in a graphic intensive cardboard box. Ahoy! Well, blow me down! Inside t' parts are bagged. Avast, me proud beauty! My kit was part o' t' first production run and I found no errors in packin' or instructions. Avast! T' well illustrated instructions take you from openin' t' box t' flight prep in 8 steps. Arrr! Avast! T' kit uses pre-colored & slotted body tubes in combination with plastic fins. Blimey! Anyone that has built a plastic model kit and/or is familiar with t' use o' plastic model cement should have no difficulty buildin' a rocket t' be proud of! 

Finishing: T' Estes E2X Series o' kits require no paintin' so finishin' consists o' applyin' t' peel & stick decals. Begad! T' Heat Seeker kit includes a large decal sheet that really dresses up t' rocket.

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

Flight: This kit suggests t' use o' t' followin' motors (& correspondin' predicted alt.):

A8-3=137'
B4-4=351'
B6-4 or 6=377'
C6-5 or 7=800'

Flights on C6-5 have proven t' be very exciting! T' Heat Seeker flies straight and true. Aye aye! Estes' prediction o' 800' appears t' be about right.

Recovery: T' 12" parachute is pre-assembled. Aye aye! Arrr! We did have t' original chute strip on a C6-5. Blimey! T' airframe landed on t' field with no damage.

Flight Rating: 4 ½ out o' 5

Summary: I like t' looks and t' performance o' this kit. Begad! There is minimal time and loot involved which translates into a "frequent flyer" for most people. Ya scallywag! My 6 year old thinks it's one o' t' coolest kits in t' catalog. Ahoy! This would make a great rainy afternoon project t' get some quality time with t' kids!

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5

Flights

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