The Alpha is  simply the best rocket, bar none, for beginners and experienced student rocketeers. Its got everything you need- balsa wood fins, molded nose cone, engine mount, parachute recovery and self-stick decals. The Alpha is ideal for illustrating basic rocket stability principles. Besides having an aerodynamic design, it is a very reliable launcher that can use a wide variety of engines. When your students build the Awesome Alpha, they will acquire many new modeling skills and experience teamwork and safety at the launch field. Launch the Alpha with Estes A, B or C engines. For school launches, we recommend using the A8-3 engine so students can see the entire flight profile of the rocket and most importantly, recover their rocket. To launch this rocket, you will need the Porta-Pad II launch pad and Electron Beam launch controller are sold separately. Your students deserve the best - the Alpha! WHAT YOU NEED TO BUILD: Scissors, pencil, ruler, fine sandpaper, carpenter's glue, hobby knife, masking tape, white primer, white paint, red paint, and blue paint. (Tools, construction and finishing supplies not included). WHAT YOU NEED TO LAUNCH (sold separately): Estes model rocket engines, starters and recovery wadding. Four 1.5V high quality AA alkaline batteries are also required for launch controller (not included).