What an exciting and busy week.

As I write this, I'm packing my gear, getting ready for the National Sport Launch in Alamosa, Colorado. The long holiday weekend is a perfect time to kick off the summer flying season. I'm planning on flying a gliding parachute, and a launch of the Level-2 kit, plus some competition models in preparation for the World Space Modeling Championships in Texas during July. And Martin (our product designer), is going to launch the Eiffel Tower model again, along with some new prototype kits that we're working on. What are you doing this weekend?

On Tuesday, we released our 600th issue of the Peak-of-Flight Newsletter! To celebrate this major milestone, we've redesigned the layout of the magazine.

The feature article in the newsletter is about kit bashing a model rocket to make it in the style of a sci-fi vehicle that could be used in a Star Wars film. We showed how to add greeblies to a simple rocket to enhance its appearance. Don't know what greeblies are? You'll have to check out the newsletter to find out.

Newest Products Released This Week!

Apogee's Kestrel is a medium-size, high-flying bird that comes with a large 29mm diameter motor mount. Besides a large payload bay, it has curved swept fins and a drag reducing boattail to give it sleek aerodynamic properties. With the right size engine, you can push this flyer to supersonic speeds. But the new 29mm motors (see below) will also give this rocket a pleasant, soaring flight. It also comes with a 24mm motor adapter, so you can even fly it on a low power C11 motor from a small launch field. Get one or two today!

This past week, North Coast Rocketry released a smaller 1/11th scale version of Argo D4 Javelin. The real rocket that this is based on was a four stage beast which consisted of an Honest John military rocket as the first stage, topped by two surplus Nike booster motors in tandem, and finally an Altair X-248 top-most stage (that did not have fins), which was adapted from the Vanguard program. But this model rocket kit is much simpler, just a single stage using a high-thrust 24mm diameter motor. It is a beautiful model that is sure to make all your rocketry friends very jealous. chance to get them before everyone else hears about them.

Rocketry Tool of the Month - Alligator Jaw Forceps

At the begining of May, we introduced our specially designed alligator jaw forceps. This specialty tool is custom made for Apogee Components, and is perfect for model rocketry enthusiasts. These forceps, inspired by E.N.T. (ear, nose, throat) instruments, feature a unique scissor-like handle that ensures a comfortable and easy grip. With their long jaw, they are ideal for precision work in tight spaces, such as the interior of rockets.

The alligator jaw design of the forceps is equipped with serrated teeth, providing a secure and powerful grip. This allows you to handle delicate or slippery components with confidence. The long and narrow jaws enable you to reach deep into small spaces, making it effortless to grasp hard-to-reach parts.

What sets our forceps apart is their remarkable ability to effortlessly navigate through even the tiniest holes, with a diameter as small as 0.15 inches. This makes them an invaluable tool for assembling model rockets, where precise placement and secure fastening are paramount.

Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, our alligator jaw forceps are built to last. They offer reliability and durability, ensuring they will be a dependable tool for all your model rocketry endeavors. Whether you are an experienced hobbyist or just beginning your journey, these forceps are the perfect addition to your toolkit.

Take your model rocketry to new heights by ordering your very own alligator jaw forceps today!

To get this set of alligator forceps for free (a $13.95 value), just purchase $150 worth of Apogee's merchandise and add the coupon code at checkout on our website. This offer only lasts until May 31. Some people didn't believe us that we're firm on the end date of these special Tool-of-the-Month offers. But we do not extend or retroactively add them to orders after the cut-off date. So you must act soon, or you'll miss out on this special deal.

What is Coming Up Next Week?

Do you want to know how to make a perfect fin fillet? Do you even know why you might want to? There is a lot more to know about fin fillets than you care to realize, and this is the most indepth discussion ever made. In fact, it is only Part 1. In the video coming on Tuesday, we'll start by reviewing the five variables you have to consider when you make a fillet. Then we'll go deeper into each one by explaining why it is important, and what your options are when you are making your own fin fillets.

I'll see you in your email in-box next Tuesday.