The 1996 Estes catalog (Actually a mostly 1995 catalog with a 1996 product insert) announced several new products.

One was a large, rocket boosted, glide recovery model of the U.S. Air Force F-117A stealth fighter.

Product number was listed as 2117.

This model was to be molded from TufFlite(TM) foam-like material.

According to the catalog, it would be a Skill Level 1 kit.

"Vertical spiral boost to hundreds of feet"

"Returns with a long circling glide"

"Easy to build, no painting required"

"Great for fields of all sizes"

Length: 40.6 cm (16.0 in.)

Wingspan: 39.4 cm (15.5 in.)

Wt.: 170 g (6 oz.)

Engine: C6-3

This was going to be a large-sized model.

I do not recall ever seeing this model displayed at any trade shows I attended.
I did see a mock-up of the product box for the model.

As things turned out, this model never made it into production and release.
From what I recall at the time the model was having a difficult development with all the prototype models having flight issues. Whether the flight issues involved boost, recovery/glide or both I do not remember. None of the test models survived or their parts/remains.

It does appear that actual packaging for the model was produced and I managed to get ahold of one.

Interestingly, for a Skill Level 1 kit the supplies required for assembly on the box include contact cement, epoxy and yellow/white glue. Also paint is listed. So much for easy to build, no painting required.

If anyone has any additional information on this product please feel free to share it.

Attached are pictures of an apparent production package for this kit.

Attached Thumbnails

       

__________________
Bob
S.A.M. # 0014