A-10 Warthog (Thunderbolt II) Inspired Model Rocket Builders Kit

Description

The A-10 Warthog is widely regarded as an unstoppable “Flying Tank” and has resisted several attempts to phase it out of active service. I saw a number of people posting scratch-built models so decided to make a BT-60 based 3D printed version so that more people could join in on the fun. This is a very impressive model at almost 19″ (48cm) long with a 14.5″ (37cm) wingspan that launched on D12-3 engines.

I produce these models on demand in lots of 12 kits. As soon as I get 6 orders I will do a new production run so please pre-order / order on backorder and I will communicate as soon as I produce the kits.

You will get all the 3D printed parts (printed w/ ABS plastic filament) and CNC’d plywood fins (milled from 2mm birch plywood) to make the impressive A-10 model shown below. I designed and launched this BT-60 based semi-scale kit to provide a good balance of size impression and motor requirements (launches great on a D12-3). 3D printed and CNC’d parts may require some cleanup, support / tab removal, filling, sanding, etc…

This is a builders kit so you provide the standard Estes tubes — BT-60 main body (10.8″ / 26.5cm), BT-60 jets (2x 2.5″ / 6.5cm tubes), nose weight (in my build it needed 2.5oz), and recovery system. Nose cone has tick marks on shoulder to make marking tubes easier and you will receive build advice documents w/ diagrams. The kit includes 24mm D-sized motor mount (entire tail quarter-turn locks onto body tube and functions as retainer/block combo once locked together).

Here is my built version launching on a D12-3:

Here is the OpenRocket simulation (You will receive the ORK file with your order so you can update with your specific build). Note: I initially launched with 2oz in nose and the rocket was stable on launch but started flying like a plane towards the end of its thrust. I added internal reinforcements to hold wings more steady and also increased nose weight to 2.5oz and it flew stable (per video above).

Sorry my finishing skills are not great — I am sure many of you can make this much better looking (there are some nice variations for possible paint schemes out there).

Disclaimer: I only list and sell rockets that I have built and launched stable. However, so much of the build for these models depends on choices you make in assembly, motor configurations, weight of fillets / glue, etc… Thus, I cannot guarantee that your flight will be as stable as mine. I strongly recommend that you update Open Rocket simulations files to match your build and do a swing test or other stability test to confirm stability prior to launching. Also you should always pay careful attention with “heads up” launches till you are sure of the stability of a new model rocket. Please follow NAR guidelines as well as local and other laws and regulations.