Centuri - Explorer (KF-9 or #5179) Gallery

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Initiator001

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Just before NARAM-52, Semroc announced a line of new kits known as Ready-To-Build (RTB).

Semroc had all the RTB kits at NARAM-52 and I couldn't make up my mind which ones to buy so I just bought one of each of them. :eek:

The RTB kits use a neat concept where the modeler builds the 'core' of the model and then the airframe, fins, etc. fit around the core.

I've been trying to decide which of my RTB kits to build and decided on the Mini Explorer. I had already built the Semroc SLS Explorer so the 'Mini' would make a nice companion to the SLS version.

The build was straightforward, as it is with all Semroc kits. :)

I had hoped to fly it today but it was raining and the launch was cancelled. :(

I will try to fly it next year. ;)

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This post was copied to the gallery with the poster's permission. The rockets depicted in this post of this gallery are Semroc'c recreations.


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Hi!

Just finished my SLS Explorer and was looking for a spot to show off :) Good thing the search works well - and I found a thread that pointed towards this thread.. Just one post here??

Anyway, I *just* finished the model, thought I'd do a little spiral work. Here's a shot after the final coat of varnish. Happy the way it worked out. I'll post some more decent "show" pictures later this week. I just hope it flies as it looks :)

FWIW, I've been lurking in this forum for some time now, started model rocketry last year June. Got addicted :) I live in the netherlands and am pretty jealous of those wide american areas where you can play around with big stuff..

oh well, small stuff is awesome as well!

Marco

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semroc SLS explorer.jpg
 
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Welcome, Marco!

Your Explorer looks good!

I've only flown my SLS Explorer on C11 and D12 motors, so far. ;)

Post your flight results and pictures.
 
This afternoon I finally had the chance to launch the rocket on our event.
Beautiful sun, almost no wind.
She flew wonderful on a D12-3!

Here's a pic, shot against the sun - great for rocketry:
5603454597_48d9eb1a1c_z.jpg
 
Welcome to the Centuri - Explorer (KF-9 or #5179) Gallery on TRF.

This gallery showcases the Centuri - Explorer (KF-9 or #5179) and those rockets derived from it. Particularly appropriate in this thread are the following:


Centuri: Explorer: KF-9 or #5179
Semroc: Mini Explorer: KA-22
Semroc: SLS Explorer: KV-56



as well as any upscales, downscales, clones, kitbashes or other derivative works. Even Goonies qualify!


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Centuri Explorer (KF-9 or #5179) Basic Information.

centuri_engineering.gif
Centuri Engineering

Explorer, Explorer Sounding Rocket

KF-9 or #5179

Introduced: 1965
Final Year: 1971
Designer: Lee Piester

Type: Sport
Motor Mount:
Recovery: Parachute
Stages: 1
Length: 27"
Diameter: 1.75"
Span:
Weight: 3.9 oz

Mfg. Description: Extremely versatile!!! The Explorer may be powered by either Atlas or Hercules series engines. Upon ignition the Explorer streaks to altitudes approaching 2000 feet. With the addition of a payload section, it can carry your payload to upper atmosphere altitude. (Centuri 1965 Catalog)

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Extremely versatile!!! The Explorer may be powered by either the "E" of "F" type MINI-MAX engines shown on pages 64 and 65. Upon ignition the Explorer streaks to altitudes approaching 2000 feet. With the addition of a payload section, it can carry your payload to upper atmosphere altitude. (Centuri 1967 Catalog)

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1968 Catalog text identical to 1967 Catalog

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Extremely versatile!!! The Explorer may be powered by either the "E" of "F" type MINI-MAX engines shown on pages 86 and 87. EXPLORER streaks to extremely high altitude when powered by the F94-7 engine and returns safely by 18" silk parachute. Kit comes with pre-installed engine mounts and shock cord/secure cable. (Centuri 1969 Catalog)

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Extremely versatile!! The Explorer can be powered by either MINI-MAX or ENERJET 'E' or 'F' type engines. EXPLORER attains extremely high altitudes with the ENERJET F67-9 engine. Recovery is by 18" silk parachute. (Centuri 1971 Catalog)

centuri-explorer%20kf9-1965%20cat%20livery.jpg
Centuri 1965 Catalog
centuri-explorer%20kf9-1967%20cat%20livery.jpg
Centuri 1967 Catalog
centuri-explorer%20kf9-1968%20cat%20livery.jpg
Centuri 1968 Catalog

centuri-explorer%20kf9-1969%20cat%20livery.jpg
Centuri 1969 Catalog
centuri-explorer%20kf9-1971%20cat%20livery.jpg
Centuri 1971 Catalog


centuri-explorer%20kf9-instr%201.jpg


First post in this thread featuring this rocket.

See Also: LINKS
EMRR
RocketReviews
Mfg. Page


If you have any additional information on this rocket and/or catalog photos please let us know.
 
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Semroc Mini Explorer (KA-22) Basic Information.

semroc.gif
Semroc Astronautics

Mini Explorer

KA-22

Introduced: 2010
Final Year:
Designer:

Type: Sport
Motor Mount: 1x18mm
Recovery: Parachute
Stages: 1
Length: 16.3" (41.4 cm)
Diameter: 1.04" (2.6 cm)
Span: 3.5" (8.9 cm)
Weight: 1.3 oz (36.9 g)

Mfg. Description: DESC

semroc-mini%20explorer-2010%20web%20livery.jpg
Semroc 2010 Web Ad

semroc-mini%20explorer-facecard.jpg


First post in this thread featuring this rocket.

See Also: LINKS
EMRR
RocketReviews
Mfg. Page


If you have any additional information on this rocket and/or catalog photos please let us know.
 
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Semroc SLS Explorer (KV-56) Basic Information.

semroc.gif
Semroc Astronautics

SLS Explorer

KV-56

Introduced:
Final Year:
Designer: Lee Piester

Type: Sport
Motor Mount: 1x24mm
Recovery: Parachute
Stages: 1
Length: 28.7" (72.9 cm)
Diameter: 1.84" (4.7 cm)
Span: 6.3" (16.0 cm)
Weight: 5.8 oz (164.6 g)

Mfg. Description: 1967 Retro Repro (Semroc 2011 Web Ad)

semroc-sls%20explorer-2011%20web%20livery.jpg
Semroc 2011 Web Ad

semroc-sls%20explorer-facecard.jpg


First post in this thread featuring this rocket.

See Also: LINKS
EMRR
RocketReviews
Mfg. Page


If you have any additional information on this rocket and/or catalog photos please let us know.
 
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Well I got One Yes And Zero No's so here is my all cardboard take on one ...24mm mount explorer.jpg
 
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