Fritz-X Model Rocket Semi-Scale Builders Kit

Description

The Fritz X Guided Bomb was the world’s first precision guided weapon deployed in combat. I originally saw this historically and visually interesting bomb at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center and I was curious but skeptical about whether I could get this stable due to those huge forward canard fins. Ultimately, I was able to design this BT-60 based model with lots of cool semi-scale details and got it stable with some novel engineering (moving canard fins) + traditional techniques (lots of nose weight).

If this is backordered: I produce these models on demand in lots of 12 kits. As soon as I get 4 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 canard fins (milled from 2mm birch plywood) to make the Fritz-X model shown. Includes a built in rod-based lug as well as a 24mm motor mount. 3D printed and CNC’d parts require some cleanup, support / tab removal, filling, sanding, etc… You will also receive build notes and additional pictures with your order.

This is a builders kit so you provide the standard Estes tube — BT-60 (#cm) and recovery system as well as nose weight (I launched with 2oz and 2.5oz but you may be able to experiment).

Here are a couple of videos of launches w/ D12-3 engines for two versions I built:

This model is difficult to simulate in OpenRocket since it is not totally clear how the moving canard fins should be simulated (experts suggested removing those portions that can move) and it is also unclear what the best approach is to model that complex tail structure (6 standard fins which is a typical workaround for a normal ring tail or 4 ring fins since there are 4 sections of the tail). Simulation seems to suggest you may be able to launch this with a C5-3 with less nose weight (1oz) but I have gone with more nose weight (2 & 2.5oz) and D12-3 engines on both my builds:

Disclaimer: I only list and sell kits for model 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.