Apogee Zephyr Jr.

The Zephyr Jr. is a relatively simple built, yet gorgeous 1/2 scale model of the famous Zephyr Level 1 certification rocket. It utilizes laser-cut basswood fins, a high-quality plastic nose cone and gorgeous vinyl decals. The end result is a great looking rocket that stands out on any launch field. As you can see, the Zephyr Jr. is a decent size rocket. It is a mid-power kit because it utilizes a 24mm motor mount and can fly on a massive variety of mid-power motors (see the motor chart down below on this webpage). It is light enough, that there are a couple of 18mm diameter motors that this rocket could fly on too. This rocket is designed for people that have done other model rockets before, so it doesn't take any special skills or equipment This rocket is rated "slightly challenging" on our rocket kit complexity scale for just one reason: This is a mid-power rocket. Mid-power rockets do require some experience with rocketry, or at least some experience with model construction. When you get into mid-power motors, you'll notice they are far more powerful than their simpler, black-powder counterparts. These motors have real kick, and so the quality of the construction needs to be higher than some of the low power kits. Weak fillets, improper adhesives, or other sloppy techniques could leave this thing shredded under the power of a G motor, so we recommend some prior building experience for that reason. This kit also has some building techniques that are slightly more advanced than those found in lower skill level kits such as multi-piece fins and around the motor mount shock cord attachment. These building techniques where incorporated into the design for both the structural and visual benefits that they provide, yet they raise the bar in terms of the skill required to build this rocket. Experienced builders also know when not to fly, given the conditions. Otherwise, this rocket is pretty simple and straightforward.