Estes Alpha Intermediate Skill Level Flying Model Rocket Kit
Alpha Rocket
Estes Model Rocket
Side Flame
Alpha Up Flame
Rocket Recovery
Estes 1225 Alpha Parts
Builder Kit

Alpha®

$22.99

If you're looking for a high-quality starter rocket that won't disappoint, get an Alpha and start flying today! With millions sold over three decades, this rocket is the perfect introduction to the world of rocketry.

With its easy assembly and reliable performance, the Alpha is sure to hook any student who gives it a try. Not only is Alpha easy to build and fly, it also looks great with its suggested color scheme and red, white, and blue decals. And with the ability to reach cloud-topping altitudes of 1000 feet, this rocket is sure to provide hours of entertainment.

The Estes Alpha rocket has become a constant presence in the Estes catalog, and this is not without reason as it is built to withstand the test of time for generations. if you're looking for a high-quality starter rocket that won't disappoint, get an Alpha and start flying today!

Skill Level Intermediate
Build Assembly Required
Recommended Engines 1/2A6-2, A8-3, A8-5, B4-4,
B6-4, B6-6, C6-5, C6-7
Max Altitude 1000 ft. (305 m)
SKU 001225

Design & Features

Explore the design, features, and flight capabilities of the Alpha®.

A Rocket That Stands the Test of Time

There must be a reason why millions of model rocketeers have bought this rocket for over three decades. With its high quality components, easy assembly, and reliable performance, the Estes Alpha rocket is the all time leading entry level rocket! This is the place to start if you are brand new to rocketry.

Easy Assembly and High Quality Components:

The Alpha is a great introduction to sanding and painting, making it a perfect step up from one of our ready to fly plastic kits. Even if you are a master rocketeer, you will find nostalgic joy in building and launching this Estes classic! Many of our customers purchase multiple Alpha's and build an entire Alpha fleet using different paint schemes. How cool is that?

Building this awesome rocket takes about an afternoon and flying is just as easy and enjoyable. When powered with a C engine, the rocket can reach cloud topping altitudes of 1000 feet. Recovery of this aerodynamic wonder is accomplished with a colorful 12 inch parachute.

Estes Alpha rocket is the best place to start for young rocket enthusiasts. Teachers and group leaders looking for exciting STEM (Science Technology Education Math) activities should look no further than the Alpha Bulk Pack to introduce students to the world of rocketry. Rocketry will hook any student who tries this rocket.

Its suggested color scheme and classy red, white and blue decals are as American as you can get. You'll feel patriotic building this sleek and colorful rocket as well as flying it.

A Rocket That Will Last for Generations:

Finally, the Alpha has been a staple in the Estes catalog for years, and will be for generations to come. The reason? It is easy to build, looks awesome, and is a great performer on the launch site. You can't ask for a better starter rocket, so get an Alpha and start flying today!

Technical Specifications

Review the full specifications for the Alpha®, including size, weight, recommended engines, and recovery system.

Recommended Engines

1/2A6-2, A8-3, A8-5, B4-4,
B6-4, B6-6, C6-5, C6-7

Launch System

Porta-Pad II

Launch Rod Size

1/8 in. (3.18 mm)

Max Altitude

1000 ft. (305 m)

Length

12.3 in. (31.2 cm)

Diameter

0.98 in. (25 mm)

Weight

0.8 oz. (22.7 g)

Fin Material

Laser Cut Balsa Wood

Recovery System

12 in. (30.5 cm) Parachute
Recommended for ages 10+ with adult supervision for rocketeers under 12

Required Launch Equipment

Add these launch supplies to your cart to get your Alpha® ready for flight.
Estes Porta-Pad II Launch Pad
Electron Beam Launch Controller
Estes model rocket engines
Starters
Recovery wadding
Four 1.5V high quality AA alkaline batteries

Required Tools & Supplies

Gather these tools and supplies before starting your Alpha® build.
Scissors
Pencil
Ruler
Fine Sandpaper
Carpenter’s Glue
Hobby Knife
Masking Tape
Primer (white)
Paint (red & white)

Customer Reviews

Based on 20 reviews
90%
(18)
10%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
D
Donald Harrison (Poplar Bluff, MO)
The original

Yes I should have one of those too

A
Adam Morzos (Castle Rock, CO)
Best beginner rocket

Best beginner rocket. Always flies great.

R
Robert Blanche (Portland, OR)
W
Walter G. (Medfield, MA)
Second Alpha

I built my first Alpha more than 50 years ago and I'm having as much fun rebuilding it again. The paint is almost dry!!

M
MNclayshooter (Plymouth, MN)
great one to learn on

This is a good kit to learn on - basic build, basic flight etc.

N
Nathan Baugher (Broken Arrow, OK)
Lost!

It was an overall fun build. In my opinion, it is one of the easier builds (for reference I've also built the Super Big Bertha). It probably flew the highest of the 5 rockets I've launched before. One downside is they require many expensive tools and supplies such as yellow glue, ca glue, sanding block, hobby knife, primer, paint, gloss after coat. I ended up using hot glue, scissors, a piece of sandpaper, and acrylic paint I found lying around. The decals were very hard to apply, and the fin ones kept falling off. The launch was spectacular but even though the wind speeds topped out at 5mph that day it was blow like a feather into the woods. Also it was nearly impossible to see at apogee. We think we saw the recovery system deploy but later saw it come down hard into the woods. Overal it was a fun experience (even though we used a launch pad from the 80s).

Trusted Since 1958

From first launch to lifelong hobby, Estes stands behind every product and every customer.