Estes Big Bertha Flying Model Rocket Kit
Estes Big Bertha Flying Model Rocket
Estes Big Bertha Model Rocket Parachute Recovery
Estes Big Bertha Model Rocket Kit Parts
Estes Big Bertha Model Rocket
Estes Big Bertha Intermediate Model Rocket
Big Bertha Flying Model Rocket
Estes Big Bertha Model Rocket Launch

Big Bertha®

$32.99

The Estes Big Bertha® is the rocket that makes your heart race before the countdown even reaches zero. When the engine ignites and Bertha lifts off slowly and confidently, all eyes follow her climb into the sky. This is not a blink and you miss it launch, it is a moment you get to savor from liftoff to touchdown.

Big Bertha has earned legendary status because it delivers pure, unforgettable fun. Whether you are launching for the first time or chasing that familiar thrill that hooked you years ago, this classic rocket transforms an open field into your personal launch site and turns every flight into an event.

Skill Level Intermediate
Build Assembly Required
Recommended Engines B4-2, B4-4, B6-2, B6-4, C6-5
Max Altitude 500 ft. (152 m)
SKU 001948

Design & Features

Explore the design, features, and flight capabilities of the Big Bertha®.

Big Bertha® does not rush the experience. Her slow, realistic liftoff gives you time to hear the engine roar, watch the rocket rise, and feel the excitement build as she climbs higher and higher. It is the kind of launch that draws cheers, cameras, and wide eyes every single time.

Big Presence on the Pad and in the Sky

With her larger size and unmistakable silhouette, Big Bertha commands attention before launch and keeps it long after liftoff. Powered by standard Estes engines, she can soar up to 500 feet while remaining smooth and stable, creating a flight you can actually follow from start to finish.

The Perfect Ending to Every Flight

Just when you think the show is over, Big Bertha delivers one more highlight. The bright 18 inch parachute blossoms high above the field, slowing her descent and giving you plenty of time to track her landing. It is a satisfying, graceful return that makes recovery part of the fun.

Built With Care and Meant to Be Flown

Big Bertha is crafted from quality Estes body tubes, laser cut balsa wood fins, and a molded plastic nose cone, giving you a build that feels rewarding from the first step to the final decal. Applying the waterslide decals brings the rocket to life, creating a finished model you will be proud to place on the pad.

A Rocket You Will Never Leave at Home

Once Big Bertha earns her first flight, she becomes a permanent part of your launch lineup. This is the rocket you grab when you want a guaranteed great launch, the one that delivers smiles, memories, and that unmistakable feeling of watching something you built soar into the sky.

Technical Specifications

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

Recommended Engines

B4-2, B4-4, B6-2, B6-4, C6-5

Launch System

Porta-Pad II

Launch Rod Size

1/8 in. (3.18 mm)

Max Altitude

500 ft. (152 m)

Length

24 in. (61 cm)

Diameter

1.64 in. (42 mm)

Weight

2.5 oz. (70.9 g)

Fin Material

Laser Cut Balsa Wood

Recovery System

18 in. (45.7 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 Big Bertha® 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 Big Bertha® build.
Scissors
Pencil
Ruler
Fine Sandpaper
Carpenter's Glue
Hobby Knife
Masking Tape
Primer (white)
Paint (black & yellow)

Customer Reviews

Based on 37 reviews
92%
(34)
5%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
3%
(1)
C
Caleb Fort (Lynchburg, VA)
Experience level: Advanced
Thanksgiving Rocket Launch With Nephew

The Big Bertha was my first rocket kit I ever put together back in middle school. About ten years ago I put another one together. It has gone on many a great adventures during the last decade, and braved some daunting missions.

This thanksgiving I introduced my Nephew to the joy of model rockets. I set up good ol Big Bertha, and he was kind enough to send her skyward. It was a joy for my entire family, and we are making rocket launches a new part of when he is in town.

Thank you for this amazing product. Stylish, and durable as always.

-Caleb

A
A rocket builder and flyer. (Phoenix, AZ)
Experience level: Intermediate
Goated rocket

This thing is practically invincible. It’s so tall and thick that 9mph winds can’t blow it too much. It goes pretty high on a B6-4. It goes super super high on a C6-5. Make sure you have a fin jig tho because the fins aren’t through the wall. 10/10 would recommend. Build is super fun btw.

R
RocketDAD (Brunswick, OH)
Experience level: Advanced
This is a great kit for everyone

This is a great kit for everyone. Dependable and flies great every time.

D
Donald Harrison (Poplar Bluff, MO)
Good ole Bertha

I've had this model over 20 years. You can't kill this thing

J
Jim Bryce (Denver, CO)
After all these years

After all these years, finally got around to building a classic. Loved how it turned out, waiting on grandkids to arrive for its maiden voyage.

D
Dominic Labato (Youngstown, OH)
I have been an Estes fan since I was 10 years

I have been an Estes fan since I was 10 years old in 1969!

Trusted Since 1958

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