Estes Alpha III Beginner Model Rocket
Estes Alpha III Model Rocket
Estes Alpha III Packaging
Estes Alpha III Launch
Estes Alpha III Up Flame
Estes Alpha III Side Flame
Estes Alpha III Recovery
Estes Alpha III Altitude
Estes 1256 Alpha III Parts
Estes Alpha III Beginner Model Rocket
Estes Alpha III Model Rocket
Estes Alpha III Packaging
Estes Alpha III Launch
Estes Alpha III Up Flame
Estes Alpha III Side Flame
Estes Alpha III Recovery
Estes Alpha III Altitude
Estes 1256 Alpha III Parts
Estes Rockets

Alpha III®

SKU: 001256
MSRP/MAP: $23.99
$23.99
Beginner

Start your model rocketry journey with a true classic. The Alpha III was the first rocket in the beginner series. With pre-colored parts and self-stick decals, the Alpha III will be ready for liftoff in an hour. Whether you’re a first timer or a long time flyer, the Alpha III beginner rocket is a must have in every rocketeer's collection!

  • Recommended Engines: 1/2A6-2, A8-3, A8-5, B4-4, B6-4, B6-6, C6-5, C6-7
  • Projected Max Altitude: 1150 ft. (351 m)
  • Simple assembly
  • Matching Orange 12 in. parachute

Overview 

Needed to Fly

Specs

Reviews

Overview

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 beginner rocket 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 everyone's collection.

Estes Alpha III Model Rocket

What You Need to Fly

C6-5 Engines
$12.99
B4-4 Engines
$11.99
Recovery Wadding
$5.99
Porta-Pad® II Launch Pad and Electron Beam® Launch Controller
$39.99
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 (sold separately)

Technical Specifications

  • Recommended Engines

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

  • Launch System

Porta-Pad II

  • Projected Max Altitude

1150 ft. (351 m)

  • Recovery System

12 in. (30.5cm) Parachute

  • Length

12.1 in. (30.7 cm)

  • Diameter

0.98 in. (25 mm)

  • Weight

1.2 oz. (34 g)

  • Fin Material

Molded Plastic
Alpha III Model Rocket Parts

Needed to Build (sold separately)

Scissors, pencil, ruler, fine sandpaper, carpenter's glue and hobby knife.
Download Instructions
This product recommended for children ages 10+ with adult supervision for those under 12, and rocketeers of all ages.

Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
100%
(6)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
T
Tom Gerald; Lompoc, CA, Home of VSFB (Lompoc, CA)
Classic Design

Just started assembly as there was a delay due to two warped fins. I contacted Estes customer service who immediately shipped a replacement fin unit gratis despite my request to order it. I am currently sanding the body tube for repainting.
I found the body-wrap decals to be too thin to maintain the desired distinct, orange appearance; obviously, the black body requires these two decals be twice their current thickness (evidenced by overlapping portions). Repaint will be silver with a gloss overcoat and no decals.
Thank you, Estes, for honoring your past by keeping this classic design available and for honoring your supporters with your consistently superb customer care.

M
Matthew Rogers
It worked great!It flew mostly straight, and it was a

It worked great!It flew mostly straight, and it was a fairly easy build. Have fun flying!

A
Anonymous
27/10 had this as a field trip project and

27/10
had this as a field trip project and oh. my. god. It went so fast it vanished. after a few seconds of searching the sky, i saw the parachutes of 5 rockets floating down.
apparently one of the mfs went so far that it landed a tree that was about 200 feet from the launch pads.
the lauch wadding did a good job, but still, the engine burned 2 holes into the parachute.
the parachute still works fine, but it's just kind of annoying.
totally recommend.

12