Rocket Glider by Rick Schertle

Rick Schertle had this model come to mind in late 2011. Based on his memories of the Florio Flyer XP-1 Rocket plane, he created this laser cut Rocket Glider. Rick is a teacher and writes part-time for a tech a Do It Yourself magazine called MAKE (www.makezine.com). It has an online circulation of 250k.

Rocket Glider and 404 Interceptor comparison of two folding wing planes

Here is the Rocket Glider sitting next to an American Junior "404" Interceptor. The "404" was definitely the inspiration behind this design, as you can see for yourself..

Here is the original Florio Flyer "P-1 Rocket Plane that was the template for Rick Schertle's new reproduction. Looks like Rick got it pretty close to the original. (photo courtesy of Dave Pecota)

Rick's plans and kits for the Rocket Glider are now available from MakeProjects.com (this is a link to the blog). A recent e-mail Rick says "I presented the glider at Maker Faire (www.makerfaire.com) last weekend (5-26-2012) and sold then 1000 kits! I would say it's off to a really good start." A nice tribute to the original Jim Walker Interceptor.


Folding wing concept based on the Jim Walker design from 1939.	Pivot pin is cut from Plexiglass and rotates freely in hole cleanly cut by laser.

Pivot mechanism works very well and is smooth in operation and reliable.	Here is a detail of the Plexiglass pivot pin and straddle wire.

Folding wing rocket plane inspired by Rick Schertle's memories of the Florio Flyer XP-1 Rocket plane

Here is the Rocket Plane ready for launch. This model is an early prototype sent to me by Rick Schertle early in 2012. As of mid June, 2012, the kit is now available at MakerShed.com Also, he has posted plans at MakeProjects.com on how to make your own Rocket Glider.