HORIZON MODELS Redstone Launcher

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Redstone Launcher

Specifications: Redstone Launcher Variants

horizon-models.com

1/72nd scale

2005

Length

Diameter

Span

Launch

Weight

Engine

Thrust

Propellants

First Flight

Last Flight

Payload

Apogee

69 ft 4 in

21.13 m

61,200 lb

27,760 kg

82,617 lbf

367.50 kN

Aug 20, 1953

Dec 1, 1965

6,305 lb

2,860 kg

57 miles

92 km

69 ft 8 in

21.24 m

64,070 lb

29,060 kg

93,560 lbf

416.18 kN

Jan 31, 1958

Oct 23, 1959

24 lb

11 kg

Low earth

orbit

71 ft 5 in

21.77 m

66,000 lb

29,940 kg

94,000 lbf

418.13 kN

Nov 28, 1966

Nov 29, 1967

45 kg

Low earth

orbit

99 lb

Sparta/

WRESAT

America enters the Space Race

The Redstone rocket began its service life as an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM). Developed in

Huntsville, Alabama, it had its first test flight in 1953 and became operational with the US Army from June 1958

to June 1964. It was designated and was stationed in Oklahoma and West Germany.

America launched its first satellite, aboard a rocket which was a derivative of the Redstone

rocket. The launch occurred on January 31, 1958 from Cape Canaveral in Florida, and remained

operational for 111 days. It detected the Van Allen radiation belt, and finally re-entered the earth's atmosphere

about twelve years later. The was based on the developmental rocket, which consisted of the

Redstone booster, plus three more stages. The second stage consisted of a cluster of eleven Baby Sergeant

rockets that would fire for six seconds. The third stage was a smaller cluster of three Baby Sergeant rockets.

The fourth stage consisted of a single Baby Sergeant rocket that was mated to the satellite.

Another variant of the Redstone rocket was called , which consisted of surplus Redstone boosters and

Antares-2 and BE-3 upper stages, that were used in a joint US-UK project to test re-entry dynamics. These

rockets were launched from Woomera in South Australia.At the end of the successful test program, one

remaining rocket was donated to the Australian government to launch their own satellite. The Weapons

Research Establishment developed the satellite and launched it from Woomera on 29 November

1967, becoming Australia's first satellite.

PGM-11 Redstone

Explorer I, Juno I

Explorer I

Juno I Jupiter-C

Explorer I

Sparta

WRESAT

Jupiter-C

uno I &

Explorer I,

PGM-11

Redstone

IRBM

The Redstone rocket was one of America's most successful

rockets – not only did it launchAmerica's first satellite, it also

launched America's first two astronauts into space on sub-

orbital missions in 1961.

70 in (1.78 m) for all variants

12 ft 8 in (3.86 m)

One Rocketdyne A-7

Ethyl Alcohol and Liquid Oxygen

for all variants

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Summary

Redstone Launcher Background and Specifications

America Enters the Space Race

Historical overview of the Redstone rocket's success and its role in early space missions.

Juno I; Explorer I; Jupiter-C Upper Stages Assembly

Variant Upper Stages and Launch Stand Assembly

Sparta; WRESAT Upper Stages

Instructions for assembling the upper stages for the Sparta and WRESAT variants.

Redstone IRBM Upper Stages

Instructions for assembling the upper stages for the PGM-11 Redstone IRBM variant.

Launch Stand Assembly

Steps for assembling the model's launch stand.

Stencils Common to All Variants

General Instructions and Parts Identification

Model Assembly and Decal Application Guidance

General advice on assembling the model and applying decals.

Parts Identification and Sprue Layouts

Lists and diagrams of all included model parts and sprues.

Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications (for the 1/72nd scale model, these refer to the real-world rockets)
Usage Features (for the model kit)
Maintenance Features (for the model kit)

The Redstone Launcher is a highly detailed 1/72nd scale model kit, replicating the iconic Redstone rocket and its various configurations, including the PGM-11 Redstone IRBM, Juno I with Explorer I, Jupiter-C, and Sparta/WRESAT variants. This model kit allows enthusiasts to build a historically significant piece of space exploration history, representing America's entry into the space race.

Function Description:

The Redstone rocket served as an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) in its initial operational phase, designated PGM-11 Redstone. Developed in Huntsville, Alabama, it had its first test flight in August 1953 and became operational with the US Army from June 1958 to June 1964, stationed in Oklahoma and West Germany. Beyond its military role, the Redstone rocket became a foundational launch vehicle for early American space endeavors. It was instrumental in launching America's first satellite, Explorer I, aboard a Juno I rocket on January 31, 1958, from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The Juno I was a derivative of the Redstone, incorporating the Redstone booster as its first stage, followed by three additional stages. The second stage comprised eleven Baby Sergeant rockets, the third stage three Baby Sergeant rockets, and the fourth stage a single Baby Sergeant rocket mated to the Explorer I satellite. The Explorer I satellite remained operational for 111 days, detecting the Van Allen radiation belt before re-entering Earth's atmosphere approximately twelve years later.

Another significant variant was the Sparta rocket, which utilized surplus Redstone boosters combined with Antares-2 and BE-3 upper stages. These rockets were part of a joint US-UK project to test re-entry dynamics, launched from Woomera in South Australia. Following the successful Sparta test program, one remaining rocket was donated to the Australian government, leading to the launch of Australia's first satellite, WRESAT, on November 29, 1967, from Woomera. The Redstone also launched America's first two astronauts into space on sub-orbital missions in 1961, solidifying its legacy as a versatile and crucial component of early American spaceflight.

Important Technical Specifications (for the 1/72nd scale model, these refer to the real-world rockets):

PGM-11 Redstone IRBM:
- Length: 69 ft 4 in (21.13 m)
- Diameter: 70 in (1.78 m)
- Span: 12 ft 8 in (3.86 m)
- Launch Weight: 61,200 lb (27,760 kg)
- Engine: One Rocketdyne A-7
- Thrust: 82,617 lbf (367.50 kN)
- Propellants: Ethyl Alcohol and Liquid Oxygen
- First Flight: August 20, 1953
- Last Flight: December 1, 1965
- Payload: 6,305 lb (2,860 kg)
- Apogee: 57 miles (92 km)
Juno I & Explorer I, Jupiter-C:
- Length: 69 ft 8 in (21.24 m)
- Diameter: 70 in (1.78 m)
- Span: 12 ft 8 in (3.86 m)
- Launch Weight: 64,070 lb (29,060 kg)
- Engine: One Rocketdyne A-7
- Thrust: 93,560 lbf (416.18 kN)
- Propellants: Ethyl Alcohol and Liquid Oxygen
- First Flight: January 31, 1958
- Last Flight: October 23, 1959
- Payload: 24 lb (11 kg)
- Apogee: Low earth orbit
Sparta/WRESAT:
- Length: 71 ft 5 in (21.77 m)
- Diameter: 70 in (1.78 m)
- Span: 12 ft 8 in (3.86 m)
- Launch Weight: 66,000 lb (29,940 kg)
- Engine: One Rocketdyne A-7
- Thrust: 94,000 lbf (418.13 kN)
- Propellants: Ethyl Alcohol and Liquid Oxygen
- First Flight: November 28, 1966
- Last Flight: November 29, 1967
- Payload: 99 lb (45 kg)
- Apogee: Low earth orbit

Usage Features (for the model kit):

The Redstone Launcher model kit offers a comprehensive building experience with multiple variant options. Builders can choose to construct the PGM-11 Redstone IRBM, Juno I with Explorer I, Jupiter-C, or Sparta/WRESAT.

Assembly: The kit requires careful study of instructions before assembly. Parts are removed from the sprue with a cutter, sanded, and test-fitted before gluing with polystyrene glue. Some parts require painting prior to main assembly.
Painting: The model should be sanded and washed with soapy solution before painting. Painting should be done in a well-ventilated area, allowing thorough drying. Color codes provided include White (A), Black (B), Exhaust Metal (C), Aluminium (D), Silver (E), Dark Blue (F), and Olive Drab (G). Specific color applications are detailed for different parts and variants, such as Dark Blue for Juno I with Explorer I and Olive Drab for IRBM/Sparta/WRESAT.
Decals: Decals are applied after painting. The process involves cutting the decal from the sheet, dipping it in water for 10 seconds, placing it on a cloth to absorb moisture, wetting the model surface, and then sliding the decal onto the model. Care must be taken not to lift the decal off the sheet to prevent folding. Once positioned, the decal is gently pressed with a soft cloth. Decals include markings like "US ARMY," "UE" or "TT," "WRESAT," and various stencils such as "LOX VENT," "ALC FILL AND DRAIN," "PEROXIDE FILL," and "OXIDIZER REPLENISH."
Photo-Etched Parts: The kit includes photo-etched (PER) parts for enhanced detail, such as the Launch Ring Detail (PER1), Juno I Antenna (PER2), Explorer I Whip Antenna (PER3), and Alcohol Fill and Drain Port (PER5). These parts are attached using cyanoacrylate glue.
Modular Construction: The kit features a modular design, allowing the builder to "pick one payload" from the different upper stage configurations to mate with the Redstone booster.
Launch Stand Assembly: A detailed launch stand (R7, R9, R6, PER1) is included, with instructions for bending and attaching PER1 parts to R7.

Maintenance Features (for the model kit):

Cleaning: The model should be carefully sanded and washed with a soapy solution before painting to ensure proper paint adhesion.
Sealing: After decal application, a clear coat of paint is recommended to seal the decals and protect the finish. Allow at least one day for decals to dry thoroughly before applying the clear coat.
Handling: The instructions emphasize careful handling of small and/or sharp parts during assembly.
Storage: Once assembled and painted, the model should be stored in a manner that protects it from dust, direct sunlight, and physical damage to preserve its intricate details and finish.

This model kit is intended for ages 14 and older, emphasizing the use of paints and glues in a well-ventilated area and caution when handling sharp objects. The Redstone Launcher model provides a rich, educational, and engaging experience for modelers interested in the history of rocketry and space exploration.