This is the Honeybee, a very low-cost, low-altitude sounding rocket designed in the late 1960's. It is essentially a large solid-fuel model rocket with a cardboard body, balsa fins and nosecone, and silk parachute. Manufactured by the Rocket Development Corporation, the Honeybee could carry a 0.75 pound payload up to 3,600 feet. The total launch weight of the rocket was 1.4 pounds.
The rocket could be used for low altitude weather studies, rescue purposes to carry lines to persons in distress and other purposes. However, due to its low payload capability, the Honeybee was not commercially successful. The Honeybee was donated to the Smithsonian in 1967 by the Rocket Development Corp.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets
Manufacturer
Rocket Development Corporation
Dimensions
3-D (Partially Disjointed): 91.8 × 15.6 × 11.4cm (3 ft. 1/8 in. × 6 1/8 in. × 4 1/2 in.)
Materials
Wood
Synthetic
Rubber
Steel
Coating
Aluminum
Copper Alloy
Inventory Number
A19690001000
Credit Line
Gift of Rocket Development Corporation
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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