---
product_id: 260322505
title: "Alpha III,Orange, Black"
brand: "estes"
price: "€ 41.03"
currency: EUR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 5
category: "Estes"
url: https://www.desertcart.it/products/260322505-alpha-iii-orange-black
store_origin: IT
region: Italy
---

# Pre-colored, no painting needed 1 hour assembly time 1150 ft max altitude Alpha III,Orange, Black

**Brand:** estes
**Price:** € 41.03
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🚀 Ignite your inner astronaut—launch the legend that started it all!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Alpha III,Orange, Black by estes
- **How much does it cost?** € 41.03 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.it](https://www.desertcart.it/products/260322505-alpha-iii-orange-black)

## Best For

- estes enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted estes brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Sky-High Thrills:** Soars up to 1150 ft with a C6-7 engine for breathtaking launches.
- • **Safe & Smooth Recovery:** Bright 12-inch parachute guarantees gentle landings and easy retrieval every time.
- • **Beginner-Friendly Build:** Pre-colored parts and simple assembly get you flying in about an hour—no expert skills required.
- • **Classic Design, Modern Fun:** Iconic black and fluorescent orange finish ensures your rocket stands out on every launch day.
- • **STEM Learning Made Exciting:** Hands-on rocket building sparks curiosity and deepens understanding of aerospace science.

## Overview

The Estes Alpha III is a beginner-level model rocket featuring pre-colored parts for quick assembly, capable of reaching altitudes up to 1150 feet with standard Estes engines (sold separately). Its classic black and fluorescent orange design includes a 12-inch parachute for safe recovery, making it an ideal STEM project for ages 10 and up.

## Description

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 than everyday household supplies and some glue, you'll be ready for liftoff in minutes. Using standard Estes engines (sold separately), watch as the Alpha III soars to 1100 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.

Review: 地上無風で、天気がよい日に打ち上げ。ほぼまっすぐ打ち上がり、見事でした。パラシュートは熱で少しダメージがありましたが、危険なく回収できました。うまく上がって、回収もでき、子たちは達成感を得たようです。フィンもノーズコーンもしっかりしているので、スイングテストで安定していれば、そのまま打ち上げの状態に反映されるように思いました。
Review: It only comes with the rocket body, not the launcher and igniter shown in the picture.

## Features

- There’s no thrill quite like launching a model rocket, watching it streak skyward, reach peak altitude, and then return gently to earth. When you build them, the thrill is even better than ever. Thanks to Estes model rocketry, kids can explore the wondrous world of science while experimenting with different combinations of rockets, engines and accessories to better understand how rockets reach outer space.
- SKILL LEVEL: The Alpha III is an easy-to-assemble, Beginner level rocket with pre-colored parts.
- RECOMMENDED ENGINES: 1/2A6-2, A8-3, A8-5, B4-4, B6-4, B6-6, C6-5, C6-7
- PROJECTED ALTITUDE: 1150 ft. (351 m) on a C6-7
- ESTIMATED ASSEMBLY TIME: 1 Hour (painting and glue drying time not included)

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B0006N73WE |
| Assembly Required | Yes |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Best Sellers Rank | #310,331 in Toys ( See Top 100 in Toys ) #141 in Spacecraft Model Building Kits |
| Color | Orange, Black |
| Customer Reviews | 3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars (506) |
| Date First Available | 10 August 2012 |
| Item model number | 1256 |
| Manufacturer recommended age | 10 years and up |
| Material Type(s) | Plastic |
| Number of Puzzle Pieces | 1 |
| Product Dimensions | 2.49 x 30.48 x 30.48 cm; 81.65 g |
| Remote Control Included? | No |
| Scale | 1/1 |
| tech_spec_battery_description_toys | Lithium |

## Images

![Alpha III,Orange, Black - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61oqsfdhAsL.jpg)

## Questions & Answers

**Q: How much engines does it have**
A: No model rocket kit actually comes with engines.  The Alpha III flies on a single engine and the engine must replaced with each flight.

For small flying fields around 200 feet on the smallest side, a 1/2A6-2 or A8-3 would be the best choice.  For flying fields with a few hundred feet on the smallest side, a B6-4 is the most common choice although a B4-4 will work well in this rocket.  For large flying fields, a C6-5 or C6-7 will take it to its maximum altitude and very nearly out of sight.

By law, model rocket engines MUST be shipped by ground so shipping these by USPS Priority Mail or any other service that uses aircraft is against the law and would expose the vendor to hefty fines.  For this reason, even launch sets no longer include engines since including them would prevent shipping launch sets by faster means.  No kits include engines for the same reason.

**Q: Does this rocket require separate purchase of a launch controller?**
A: YES. You will need the launch pad hardware and controller. Have a nice day.

**Q: does it come with an engine?**
A: The Estes PN 1256 Alpha III Model Rocket Kit does not any engines. The Alpha III is an easy to assemble (E2X) kit that includes a molded nose cone and fin assembly, paper motor tube, green centering rings and a metal engine retainer hook. All of these parts are glued together to create the flying model rocket.  We recommend Testors PN 3501 Plastic Cement (red tube) and a small bottle of Titebond II wood glue for assembly. No sanding or painting is required for the Alpha III rocket kit. 
Then for launching, we recommend you purchase PN 2222 Estes Launch System which contains the Estes Porta Pad II Launch Pad, Electron Beam Launch Control, launch rod, blast plate and stand off stem. You will need to purchase four, 1.5V Alkaline batteries for the launch controller (Energizer Max work very well for this application) as well as at least 1 pack of Estes 1598 A8-3 Model Rocket Engines (recommended first for the first launch) and PN 2274 Recovery Wadding. You might also consider purchasing one pack of Estes 2302 Starters just in case you need an extra or two. 
You could get also get the Alpha III rocket and a complete Estes launch system in one package by ordering PN 1427, the Estes Alpha III Launch Set, but you will still be required to purchase the glue, engines, recovering wadding, extra starters and batteries to assemble and launch the rocket.

The Estes Team.

**Q: I am looking for a rocket my kids can paint themselves ...any suggestions ?**
A: The sister rocket to the Alpha III is the Estes 1225 Alpha.  This kit contains Balsa wood fins and an unpainted body tube.  The rocket can be painted as you desire.  There are also stickers that can make it look like to cover art.  You can also looks for a bulk pack kit that contains all the parts for the rocket and instructions but is missing all of the fancy pacckaging and is less costly to purchase.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review
*by R***O on 17 November 2025*

地上無風で、天気がよい日に打ち上げ。ほぼまっすぐ打ち上がり、見事でした。パラシュートは熱で少しダメージがありましたが、危険なく回収できました。うまく上がって、回収もでき、子たちは達成感を得たようです。フィンもノーズコーンもしっかりしているので、スイングテストで安定していれば、そのまま打ち上げの状態に反映されるように思いました。

### ⭐ Review
*by A***. on 27 December 2024*

It only comes with the rocket body, not the launcher and igniter shown in the picture.

### ⭐ Review
*by R***Z on 29 November 2024*

Not a "kit" whatsoever. The image is completely misleading: No engine, no plate, no launchpad, no launcher. Are model rockets of this size really $45 CDN??? Really angry - sending it back. Don't buy this.

## Frequently Bought Together

- Estes Alpha III,Orange, Black
- Estes 2274 Recovery Wadding
- MDL RCKT ENGNS 3PC C6-5

---

## Why Shop on Desertcart?

- 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016
- 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories
- 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price
- 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members)
- 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection
- ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews

**Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.it/products/260322505-alpha-iii-orange-black](https://www.desertcart.it/products/260322505-alpha-iii-orange-black)

---

*Product available on Desertcart Italy*
*Store origin: IT*
*Last updated: 2026-03-05*