Estes 2183 Shuttle Xpress Flying Model Rocket Kit

by Estes

Product Features

• A NASA-type rocket with boost gliders
• Features a jet fighter look with plenty of scale detail and aerodynamic stability
• E2X Skill Level
• Over 17 " tall
• Flies up to 575 '

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1 x 16 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B0006N6ZZU
• Item model number: 2183
• Manufacturer recommended age: 10 years and up
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #33,316 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
  • #35 in Toys & Games > Hobbies > Rockets > Model Rockets
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

A NASA-type rocket with boost gliders – what a winning combination. The Estes Shuttle Xpress is a new wave of fighter glider technology that carries two gliding fighter shuttles to the skies. The authentic booster rocket features a jet fighter look with plenty of scale detail and aerodynamic stability. The two shuttle fighters attach to the side of the booster and represent state of the art in stealth glider technology. After launching on a standard C engine, this powerful rocket can soar to over 575 ' (175 m), where the fighters are deployed and can cruise for up to 200 ' (61 m). After the fighters separate, the booster floats gently down on a bright 12 " (30 cm) preassembled parachute, ready for another exciting search and destroy mission. The Shuttle Xpress is from our E2X series, which requires no painting and is easy to assemble in about an hour. Special features of this kit are the decorated body tube, molded fin set, molded cockpit nose cone, two foam molded fighters and easy to apply self-stick decals. Take command today of your own high altitude fighter group…get a Shuttle Express today. Plastic cement and Estes launch supplies required – sold separately. Recommended for age 10 and up with adult supervision for those under 12.

Product Description

A new wave of fighter technology. The Shuttle Xpress carries two fighter shuttles to battle. At apogee (peak altitude), it releases the two fighter shuttles that glide back to earth.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars RTF Disappointment, May 26, 2005

By 

William J. Eichelberger "I will not go quietly" (Ft. Thomas, KY) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

= Durability:1.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:2.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:3.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Estes 2183 Shuttle Xpress Flying Model Rocket Kit (Toy)

I've always been a big fan of rockets with parasite gliders, but this one leaves me cold. The rocket itself isn't bad for a ready to fly kit, but the attached gliders are made mostly of cheesy foam and are inpossible to keep properly trimmed. I guess it might be fun if you like to launch rockets then watch gliders flutter to the ground like dead leaves, but I've got other ideas. This kits sole redeeming quality is the nose cone, which can be scavenged and used to build several other classic Estes kits. If you see it cheap, it might be worth your while, but overall the Shuttle Xpress is a disappointment.

5.0 out of 5 stars Really fun rocket, November 27, 2011

By 

JusticeCrusader - See all my reviews

This review is from: Estes 2183 Shuttle Xpress Flying Model Rocket Kit (Toy)

I've never written a review before, but I read the other reviews of this product and feel as though it has gotten a bad rap. My 8-year-old son and I are just getting into model rocketry and this was only our second rocket we've built. We're not very experienced rocket builders, but we had no trouble putting this together or flying it. We took it out the other day for its maiden voyage and it performed superbly. Granted, the shuttles don't preform aerobatic maneuvers, but I think it would be silly to expect them to. They basically spiraled to the ground in such a way that made recovery easy. My son and I were thrilled with the launches and I would recommend it to any rocketeer with reasonable expectations and the ability to follow simple directions. The bottom line is this is a really fun rocket that's inexpensive and easy to put together.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Rockateer, May 18, 2007

A Kid's Review

= Durability:2.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:3.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:2.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Estes 2183 Shuttle Xpress Flying Model Rocket Kit (Toy)

I have built and flown many models of rocket, but I find that this one was the worst. The design looks cool: The nose cone is amazing and can be used on other rockets if one choses to do so. The gliders on the side are not durable(the wings are kept on with double stick tape) and one the rocket is airborne, the gliders and hard to keep track of and get lost easily. I would NOT get this product because Estes makes many fine rockets other than this one.