7303 – STAR HOPPER

Beginner Skill
(Formerly Easy to Assemble)
Based on rumored 1950s secret project to counter the “flying
saucer threat.” The Estes Star Hopper is a no-glue, no-paint
Beginner-Level kit that you can build and launch up to 400 feet
all in the same day. Features detail-molded plastic parts,
atomic-age styling, and a 18-inch streamer for recovery.

DESCRIPTION

There had been strange lights in the sky before 1947, but never
like this. In June of that year, an experienced civilian pilot
reported “saucer-like discs” over Mount Rainier. By July the
papers were running stories about a rancher who discovered
strange wreckage in the desert near Roswell. Accounts of mystery
“aircraft” and other unknown aerial phenomena were gaining public
notice. Something strange was going on and the people in charge
wanted answers.

In 1949, a clandestine group of government scientists met at a
secret airbase in Nevada to form Project Star Hopper. The goal
was to produce a fast and maneuverable piloted vehicle to compete
with the unidentified objects commonly referred to as “flying
saucers.” With the nation’s best engineers on the task, plans
were drawn up for a sleek and functional atomic-powered vessel
that could be launched quickly to intercept the aggressors. The
result was the Star Hopper – the world’s first interplanetary
spacecraft. A small fleet was constructed and tested, and by
1955, they were ready to protect the skies from alien invaders.
Or so we were told…

Was there really a Project Star Hopper? It’s hard to say. No
documents or proof exists – just rumors and speculation. Based on
the scant evidence available, Estes has designed a detailed
model of this cryptic craft. The Estes Star Hopper is a
Beginner-Level kit that all rocket lovers will be thrilled to own
and fly. This is a no-glue, no-paint, snap-together kit that
anyone can build and launch all in the same day. Featuring
detail-molded plastic fins, nose cone, and engine mount, this kit
not only looks great but is built to survive even the roughest
landings. Pre-finished in a retro atomic-age silver paint scheme,
the Star Hopper is a stylish kit that looks great and flies even
better!

Prep the Estes Star Hopper with a recommend Estes engine (not
included) and get ready for fantastic flights up to 400 feet –
great for demonstrations and small field flights. Watch at apogee
as the rocket ejects a 18-inch streamer to slow its fall and
help you track it to the ground. With the twist-on engine
retainer for fast engine loading, and a relatively wide body tube
for easy ejection wadding and streamer packing, you’ll have your
rocket ready to launch in no time! While the real Star Hopper
may only be a myth, the Estes Star Hopper is real and ready to
fly today!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Recommended Engines
1/2A3-4T, A3-4T, A10-3T

Projected Max Altitude
400 ft. (122 m)

Recovery System
18 in. (45.7 cm) Streamer

Length
7.4 in. (18.8 cm)

Diameter
0.74 in. (19 mm)

Estimated Weight
0.73 oz. (20.7 g)

Estimated Assembly Time
10 Minutes

Fin Materials
Plastic

Decal Type
Self-stick

Launch System
Porta-Pad II and Electron Beam Launch Controller

Launch Rod Size
1/8"

Age Recommendation
Estes model rocketry is recommended for boys and girls ages 10+
with adult supervision for those under 12, and rocketeers of all
ages.