Aerotech Rocketry is a very businesslike site among the model rocket stores we reviewed, geared towards the experienced rocketeer. Regardless of your skill level, the best thing about Aerotech's site is the information it offers. The Resources tab on the top menu has a full section of technical documents, ranging from rocket building to copies of regulatory documents from the ATFE (Bureau of alcohol, tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), including a copy of the Federal Explosives Law. There's even a section for documents from the Natural Resources Canada Explosive Regulatory Division (NRC/ERD).
Aerotech is known for its advanced propellant motors; not just for the model rocket field, but in the military and the space effort as well as in industry — including the special effects used by Hollywood. The company specializes in high-powered composite fuel rocket motors, which produce triple the thrust of regular black powder propellant with the same weight. They are the largest producer of "D" through "N" power rockets on the planet.
Standout Features
- Free tutorial about high performance rocketry
- Photo gallery of rockets built
- National Association of Rocketry (NAR) launch calendar
- More than 100 model rocket motors for sale
The product catalogue, in PDF format, shows an unusually wide range of available rocketry goodies, including seven different types of propellant and whole pages of different kinds of motors, with graphs showing flight time in seconds.
You can also click on the homepage categories to be taken into the online store. Categories include starter sets, ground support, rocket kits, rocket motors, igniters and clips, avionics and more. Aerotech offers the most wide selection of rocket motors among the model rocket stores we reviewed. Shipping model rocket motors requires strict permissions and regulation at the federal level due to hazardous materials so finding an online store that can do this is a great resource.
Site features include free RockSim motor and kit information, regulatory documents such as the ATFE List of Explosive Materials and other legal documents, and certification documents for various rocket motors from the NAR and Tripoli Rocketry Association. There are also instruction pages for using the higher level Econojet rocket motors, and more instruction pages showing how to reload loadable motor systems. There's also a free tutorial about high performance rocketry, including using composite rocket motors and finding local rocket clubs.
Those new to rocketry will find a quick, but thorough, tutorial for the hobby on the home page link 'RocketCentral.org.' That link is on the right side of the page. It explains the types and various power levels of rockets, from 'traditional' to Mid-Power, High-Power and Experimental; as well as the range of cost per flight. Another plus: Rocket Central offers a 'shopping' tab that lists model rocket stores which sell model rocket related products. It's organized by state, with addresses and phone numbers. This is in addition to the 'Dealer' home page link that allows you to find authorized dealers close to you. A home page link below Rocket Central takes you to the NAR (National Association of Rocketry) Launch Calendar, with both sport and competition launches. This is also organized by state, and has contact information.
A photo gallery shows new products and the lift-off of rockets built by serious rocketeers. In the shots of rockets blasting off from a cloud of smoke, it's hard to realize that these powerful looking flyers are only the miniature versions.
FAQ's answer many questions, ranging from what you need to get started in rocketry to the difference in propellant types. You can also contact someone at Aerotech by telephone, email or fax. Contact information is listed on the "Contact Us" link.
Aerotech is for the rocketeer interested in high performance rockets. On this site you can find such specialized products as an "anchor retaining ring for a reload adapter system," or a selection of scale rockets as large as 60% the size of an actual NASA spacecraft. Aerotech is not for beginners whose only experience is building an easy scout troop rocket, but if you've passed the challenge of novice rocketry and want try the high performance stuff, this is the place for you.
Be sure to read all our great reviews on model rocket stores such as Apogee Components and more.
