A Historic Platform for Advanced Learning
The Pro Series II™ Jayhawk offers students a rare opportunity to explore aerospace history through hands-on construction. Inspired by the Beechcraft AQM-37A, a supersonic Navy target drone used in pilot training, this model connects classroom learning to real-world aviation technology. Students gain insight into how high-speed flight systems were developed and why precision engineering mattered in military applications.
This is not just a model, it is a story brought to life. As students build and launch the Jayhawk, they engage with the same principles that defined an era of rapid aerospace advancement.
Engineering Skills That Go Beyond the Basics
Designed for expert-level builders, the Jayhawk challenges students to apply advanced construction techniques with accuracy and patience. From aligning laser cut balsa fins to assembling plywood centering rings, each step reinforces the importance of structural integrity and aerodynamic balance.
The inclusion of both launch lugs and rail buttons introduces learners to different launch systems, helping them understand how equipment choices affect stability and performance. These are the kinds of details that elevate rocketry from a hobby into applied engineering.
Performance That Demonstrates Real Physics
When powered by recommended 29 mm engines, the Jayhawk reaches altitudes up to 900 feet, providing a clear and exciting demonstration of thrust, drag, and flight dynamics. Students can observe how design decisions impact flight behavior, from liftoff to recovery.
The 30 inch nylon parachute ensures a controlled descent, offering a reliable recovery while reinforcing lessons about descent rates and recovery system design. Each launch becomes a practical experiment in physics, not just a spectacle.
Built for Serious STEM Engagement
The Jayhawk is ideal for advanced classrooms, STEM programs, and rocketry teams looking to push beyond introductory projects. Its complexity encourages critical thinking, problem solving, and attention to detail, all essential skills in engineering and technical fields.
Teachers and group leaders can use this kit to spark deeper discussions around aerodynamics, materials science, and the evolution of aerospace technology. It is a project that rewards effort with both knowledge and achievement.
Prepare for a Complete Launch Experience
As part of the Pro Series II line, the Jayhawk requires additional launch equipment, engines, starters, and recovery wadding, all sold separately. This allows educators to build a complete launch system experience, giving students a full understanding of what it takes to safely and successfully fly a high-performance rocket.
From the first assembly step to final recovery, the Jayhawk delivers a comprehensive, hands-on learning journey that challenges, engages, and inspires.
