Download the Archer Instructions
OK... This isn't a real scale model. But it is cool to image what a rocket like this might be used for. According to the manufacturer, here is the vision: "The Block 3 upgrade of the Navy's SA-14 Archer surface to air missile takes advantage of advances in technology to increase range and accuracy. This version of the missile can intercept supersonic cruise missiles, aircraft, or ballistic missile warheads."
For starters, this is such a menancing looking rocket. It has a "brute" look to it, that just seems to say that the person that owns it knows what they are doing. Does that describe you? Are you feeling like no one is going to stand in your way today? Then this model rocket kit might be for you.
When you pull this rocket out of your car, people will come running over to see what it is. This is another one of those rocket kits that has a small problem. The problem with this rocket, is that you'll spend so much time showing if off to those people that want to see it, that you may not get to fly it as often as you'd like. It even attracted some smudgy fingerprints, because everyone was fondling it.
The rocket, as you can see from the photo above, has such big fins that it is stable as a mountain. It flies like it was riding along a tight steel cable that stretches from the earth to the moon. The large strakes certainly add to the stability.
This is a big rocket kit, but it is lightweight too. It can take pretty much any 29mm diameter rocket motors, from single use to Aerotech and Cesaroni reloadable motors. The SA-14 Archer is one versatile rocket!
The North Coast kits are legendary in their classic design, and stout chassis. See below for the features of this kit.
- Laser cut plywood fins and centering rings for precision parts
- Laser cut alignment jig for easy a ssembly of the wing and ramjet tubes
- Plastic nose cone for easy finishing
- Gorilla™ steel cable shock cord mount for maximum strength and durability
- Kevlar®/Elastic shock cord mount for maximum recovery reliability
- A true 29mm diameter motor tube
- Detailed (Black on clear) decal sheets to provide a realistic vehicle decoration
- Detailed instructions with color photos for easy assembly
This version of this kit comes without a parachute, for those of you who have a 36” nylon parachute available for use; We recommend a 36” nylon parachute.
This rocket is is rated as a Skill Level 3 rocket on the Apogee Components complexity scale. That means it is "average" and isn't too hard to make. You'll find this rocket enjoyable to build if you've ever constructed a model rocket before.
Please note that this rocket kit does not contain a parachute, and you'll have to add one before launching the kit. North Coast Rocketry recommends a 36-inch diameter parachute. The reason they didn't include one is that many modelers swap out chutes between rockets to save money.
The instructions for this SA-14 Archer kit are top-notch. They use color photographs that show you in exceptional detail how to put the rocket together.
The main reason this is a Skill Level 3 is that the instructions call for epoxy as the primary adhesive. Epoxy can be messy and cause an allergic reaction in some people. Adult supervision and nitrile gloves are recommended when working with epoxy.
The SA-14 Archer is a stout and burly rocket that uses heavy wall tubes. While the tubes don't make the rocket any harder to assemble, the finished rocket does require extra safety precautions when flown because it is heavier than a small model rocket. Patience and acquired flying skills to know when NOT to fly are just as important as quality construction techniques.
The North Coast Rocketry SA-14 Archer kit is premium quality kit. You'll notice this right away when you open the big box. Below are the some specific features of the parts you'll find in the package.
Thick-wall cardboard tubes: These tubes are meant to take a beating and survive some very rough landings. That means your rocket will last and last and last.
Slotted tubes and through-the-wall tabs on the base of the fins: Allow for perfect spacing and exceptional durability.
The rocket kit comes with a long 2.64 inch diameter plastic nose cone. The most noticeable feature about it is how long it is. Pinocchio would be jealous of the length. The exposed portion is a full 13 inches long.
This is a classic high-power kit, with plywood rings that are designed to take a pounding from high thrust rocket engines.
The precision cut of the laser makes the parts the perfect size and shape. This translates into a kit that goes together a lot faster and with less effort on your part.
Plywood Fins - Why plywood? Because it is extremely strong and has a very tight wood grain, so it is easy to finish. Just spray it with sandable paint primer, sand it down smooth, and it is ready for paint. You don't really need to apply a separate sanding sealer, so it is quicker to prep for paint than balsa wood. Plywood is also stiffer than balsa wood, so it more durable and can take a lot of abuse from rough landings
Laser Cut Centering Rings - This is a classic high-power kit, with plywood rings that are designed to take a pounding from high thrust rocket engines.
The precision cut of the laser makes the parts the perfect size and shape. This translates into a kit that goes together a lot faster and with less effort on your part.
The neat thing is the engine mount has special wooden plates that make sure the fin slots are prefectly aligned. That make assembly quick and easy.
Balsa Wood Strakes - These strakes actually have a secondary function on this rocket besides making it look pretty. They also stiffen the tube and make it stronger. Cool, huh?
North Coast Rocketry put a lot of effort into the shock cord on this model. It is actually made from three components. First there is a twisted wire rope that attached to the engine mount. This is pretty much heat proof, and provides a strong anchor inside the rocket. To the front end of that wire cable, is a Aramid fiber shock cord. This gives exceptional strength and minimum weight. But because it doesn't yield and absorb the shock of the nose flying off the tube, they've added a elastic cord (red) along-side the braided shock cord. So the elastic absorbs the shock, and the braided cord gives extra protection in case the elastic should ever let go.
Lots of Decals - This kit contains lots of sticker type decals that can easily be placed on the finished rocket. There are actually two sets of decals to give the rocket a lot of eye-appeal.
The full-color instructions are probably some of the best written instructions for high power rockets we've seen. They document fully the assembly of the kit with excellent photographs, so you'll get it right the first time.
Use the chart below to help determine which motor to use for this kit.
Estimated Altitude Predictions generated using RockSim
| Motor | Manuf & Type/ Casing | Color | Comment | Alt. | Delay* | Price | Buy Now! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
F62T-14 #66062 |
AeroTech 29/60 |
Blue Thunder |
Restricted: 18+ |
589 ft (180 m) |
5 sec |
$27.81 |
|
G79W-14 #67079 |
AeroTech 29/120 |
White Lightning |
Restricted: 18+ |
1424 ft (434 m) |
See Motor |
$35.87 |
|
G77R-14 #67077 |
AeroTech 29/120 |
Red Line |
Restricted: 18+ |
1361 ft (415 m) |
7 sec |
$35.87 |
|
F40W-7 #64007 |
AeroTech 29/40-120 |
White Lightning |
Restricted: 18+ |
1013 ft (309 m) |
5 sec |
$24.60 (HAZ) |
|
F52T-5 #65205 |
AeroTech 29/40-120 |
Blue Thunder |
Restricted: 18+ |
946 ft (288 m) |
5 sec |
$24.60 (HAZ) |
|
G53FJ-7 #73307 |
AeroTech 29/40-120 |
Black Max |
Restricted: 18+ |
1214 ft (370 m) |
6 sec |
$27.81 |
|
G64W-7 #76407 |
AeroTech 29/40-120 |
White Lightning |
Restricted: 18+ |
1573 ft (479 m) |
7 sec |
$27.81 |
|
F20W-4 #62004 |
AeroTech Single Use |
White Lightning |
771 ft (235 m) |
See Motor |
$47.07 2 pack |
||
F23FJ-4 #62304 |
AeroTech Single Use |
Black Max |
790 ft (241 m) |
See Motor |
$47.07 2 pack |
||
F27R-4 #62704 |
AeroTech Single Use |
Red Line |
558 ft (170 m) |
See Motor |
$47.07 2 pack |
||
F42T-4 #64204 |
AeroTech Single Use |
Blue Thunder |
711 ft (217 m) |
See Motor |
$47.07 2 pack |
||
G77R-7 #77607 |
AeroTech Single Use |
Red Line |
Restricted: 18+ |
1361 ft (415 m) |
See Motor |
$43.86 |
|
G78G-7 #77307 |
AeroTech Single Use |
Mojave Green |
Restricted: 18+ |
1463 ft (446 m) |
See Motor |
$43.86 |
|
G79W-7 #77807 |
AeroTech Single Use |
White Lightning |
Restricted: 18+ |
1424 ft (434 m) |
See Motor |
$43.86 |
|
G80T-7 #78007 |
AeroTech Single Use |
Blue Thunder |
Restricted: 18+ |
1758 ft (536 m) |
See Motor |
$45.89 (HAZ) |
|
F59 #71214 |
Cesaroni 1-Grain |
White Thunder |
Restricted: 18+ |
710 ft (216 m) |
6 sec |
$37.85 (HAZ) |
|
G57 #71221 |
Cesaroni 2-Grain |
Classic |
Restricted: 18+ |
1537 ft (468 m) |
7 sec |
$42.58 (HAZ) |
|
G126 #71224 |
Cesaroni 2-Grain |
White Thunder |
Restricted: 18+ | L1* |
1521 ft (464 m) |
7 sec |
$42.58 (HAZ) |
|
G131 #71232 |
Cesaroni 3-Grain |
Smoky Sam |
Restricted: 18+ | L1* |
1582 ft (482 m) |
7 sec |
$45.74 (HAZ) |
|
F50T-6 #65006 |
AeroTech Single Use |
Blue Thunder |
913 ft (278 m) |
See Motor |
$42.36 (HAZ) |
||
|
Delay* given is recommended for 8mph winds. Please double check with your RockSim file. Note: These motors (HAZ) are shipped with a HAZMAT fee on top of the standard UPS/FedEx ground shipping costs. (Learn More about HAZMAT Fees). These motors are non-returnable due to shipping regulations. If you are purchasing an age- or certification-restricted motor, please email or fax us a copy of your ID, or NAR or TRA membership card as soon as possible so we can get your order shipped promptly. We will keep note of your status on file, so you only have to do this once. If you are not certified, please see our information page for additional details on membership and high power certification. YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OLD TO PURCHASE RELOAD KITS. 18+ - You must be at least 18yrs of age to purchase ths motor. L1* - This motor is classified as "High Power" and due to the propellant type or propellant amount, requires a Level 1 certification via the NAR or TRA to purchase. This motor cannot be used for an L1 attempt. Rocket motors are sold separately from the kit. For more help in selecting rocket motors, see our video tutorial. If you're unsure, start with the "First Flight" recommendation or the one with the lowest altitude, then go up from there. For other motors that are not tested or not listed here, download the SA-14 Archer™ RockSim file and load it to see if it will work in this rocket kit. See also Technical Publication #28 for guidance on selecting appropriate rocket engines other than those listed in this chart. | |||||||
To see how the SA-14 Archer™ looks and performs with each motor configuration, download the FREE RockSim design file.
This file can be opened with the FREE demo version of RockSim. Both Windows and Macintosh versions are available.
What is a RockSim Design file?
The RockSim software gives you a lot of information about the flight characteristics of this rocket: how high, how fast, where it will land, how will it react to wind, etc. The "design file" is intended to save you time. All the parameters (size, shape, weight, fin design, etc.) of this rocket have already been entered into the RockSim program, and saved as an electronic database file. You can just open it up in your copy of RockSim and start loading different rocket motors to run launch simulations. It's fun and educational to see the rocket zoom skyward, even before you built it. For more information about RockSim and to download a FREE 30-day demo version, click here.
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Scissors
Hobby Knife - Hobby with #11 Blade
- Fix-It Epoxy Clay (for fillets)
- Adhesives - Wood Glue
- Adhesives - Wood Glue or White Glue
- Long Dowel To Spread Glue Inside The Body Tube
- Finishing Supplies like sanding sealer, paint and sandpaper (200 and 400 grit).
Motor Retention - Suggested: 29L Aeropack Aluminum Retainer or the Estes 29mm Plastic Retainer
Parachute. This rocket kit does not contain a parachute, and you'll have to add one before flying. The manufacturer recommends a 36-inch diameter parachute.
- Recovery Wadding - Disposable | Reusable
- Rocket Motors - See the motor selection tab.
Launch Pad & Controller - See FAQs tab for recommended choices.
- Aluminum angle for drawing lines on the body tube, or the Estes Ultimate Tube Marking Guide
- Rail Buttons - If you decide to fly this rocket with H-size rocket engines, we recommend swapping out the launch lugs with rail buttons and using a rail launching system instead.
We offer three different controllers that can be used for mid and high-power size rockets. The Aerotech Interlock, the North Coast Rocketry LaunchMaster™, and the Pratt Hobbies GO-BOX Controller.
This rocket is Not Recommended because of its size - While this kit has heavy-wall tubes, and can fly on an H-size motor, we do not recommend it be used for the certification flight itself. The reason is that this model is skinny, and is going to go a lot higher than you expect. Since it is going to go so high, you are likely to lose sight of it in the sky, and it is also going to drift a long way off into the distance. If you do NOT get the rocket back, you will not certify. We've seen this happen way too often, and we don't want to see it happen to you. It is much better to use a larger diameter kit for the certification flight, like the Zephyr model because it will fly lower, slower, and won't drift as far. We care about you saving money, and if you have to fly the the certification flight twice, you will not save money. After you get your L1 certification, then we say that this is a great model for general flying. You won't be under so much stress about getting it back, and you'll enjoy the flight a lot more.
At the top of this page, where the kit dimensions are, you'll find the location of the CP. This is the important number you should be looking at for stability. You want the CG location to be in front of the CP by about one tube-diameter. A greater distance between the CG and CP is OK. For more information on rocket stability, please click here.
You don't need to do anything extra, except to leave out the thrust block in the engine tube. The motor will project out the forward end of the tube and into the parachute compartment. This is OK. It works just fine. Just verify that there is room for the wadding and the parachute to be stowed in front of the rocket motor.
Since this is a larger rocket, you'll need very stable launch pad. We offer the Aerotech Mantis Launch Pad and the Estes Pro Series II Launch Pad.
Watch this YouTube video - How to Select Model Rocket Engines
We encourage you to learn the proper motor selection technique. Please watch our YouTube video that will walk you step-by-step through the process
Random Selected Reviews:
William U. -- 03/16/2024Gerald D. -- 11/06/2023Michael S. G. -- 10/23/2023This will be my first build in over 50 years. I can't wait to get started.
This is the first time I've dealt with Apogee and am 100% satisfied with the service.
The staff is courteous, efficient and well informed.
Companies like this are extremely hard to find these days. I've nothing but praise for these excellent people.
Oh yeah, the rocket. It's perfect. Very well made parts, etc.
But it's the company that makes this such an awesome undertaking.
Sincerely,
One happy camper. :)
Hideaki S. -- 09/21/2023-
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