Join the hundreds of thousands of people who got their start in model rockets with this classic! The first rocket in the Beginner level series, the high-flying Alpha III was designed with beginners in mind.
Renown for its classic good looks, simple assembly, and excellent performance, the Alpha III is one of the model rocketry’s best-known and most-loved designs. The black body tube, fluorescent orange nose cone and one piece fin unit makes this rocket easy-to-assemble and fun to fly! With nothing needed more then everyday household supplies and some glue, you’ll be ready for liftoff in an hour. Using Estes standard model rocket engines (sold separately), watch as the Alpha III soars to 1150 feet high. Once the rocket reaches its peak altitude, it will gently return to earth on its brightly colored, matching orange 12 inch parachute. Whether you’re a first time rocketeer or a long time flyer, the Alpha III is a true classic that should be in everyones’ collection.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BUILD: Scissors, pencil, ruler, fine sandpaper, carpenter’s glue and hobby knife. (Tools, construction and finishing supplies not included.)
WHAT YOU NEED TO LAUNCH (sold separately): Estes Porta-Pad II Launch Pad and Electron Beam Launch Controller, Estes model rocket engines, starters and recovery wadding. Four 1.5V high quality AA alkaline batteries are also required for launch controller (not included).
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Christopher Zencuch –
I loved it and would buy again. I used a C6-5 engine and it was out of site for maybe 20 seconds but the it drifted down slowly to a spot about 200 ft away and there was not even any wind. I would say fly it in the biggest area possible with atleast 200 ft free in any direction if you are using a c6-5 and make sure there is not much wind and it will be a great site and it is always fun when your able to catch the rocket on its way down would buy again 😀
Anonymous –
Nice
Lance Pullis –
When I was 5 years old, this is the first model rocket my parents gave me. This began forty-five year journey with my favorite hobby. Over 100 Estes rockets later, about 30 survived for my 5 year old son to see. We began launching my remaining collection for him earlier this year. Yesterday, we went to our local hobby store, and there was an Alpha III waiting for us. I bought it for my son – his first rocket – and it brought tears to my eyes. Vern Estes was a visionary and a wonderful man to bring such a marvelous hobby experience to millions of boys and girls. I am forever grateful to Estes Industries for what they do.
Michael –
Finally got one
As I stated I got one and love it. Flown it a few times and love it. Thanks Estes
Doug (verified owner) –
Fun basic model
I have “3” of these. One stock, and two bashed together as a two stage model. Flys great in both configurations.
Alex –
great little rocket
Bought this for my 10 yr old son. We loaded the C6-5 for the third launch, where it drifted past the tree line on the horizon, we never saw it again. Going to cut a hole in the parachute next time.
Chris –
Nice Kit
The Alpha III is a great E2X kit. The only change I made to mine was to paint the launch lug black so that it didn’t stand out so much. I love the classic lines and the ease of construction.
James –
Father/Son Time
Thank you, my boy may technically be a little young for model rockets per the recommendations, but he helped build this rocket and put all the pieces together. We finally got a good day to take the rocket out and launch it. He had a great time and was all excited when it landed not too far away on the A8-3 rocket. Final launch of the day was a C6-7. Leaned the launch into the wind and up range slightly. We were lucky to get it back as it drifted down range about 1/4 mile away. The C6-7 really launched it up there. Great fun to build and easy to build with my big guy. Looking forward to building more with him over time. I bought 6 more rockets to slowly give to him over time.
Christopher –
Great!
Really easy to assemble. Do not use a HOT GLUE gun, I lost my nose cone as it drifted away without the fuselage. As far as flight is concerned it flew up there like it was no mans business. I would highly recommend this as a perfect rocket for those wanting to star modeling/putting rockets together. Good Job Estes.
cameron –
very good rocket
it is so easy to assemble