6 Best RC Plane Kits for Model Enthusiasts

1. ZOHD Dart Sweepforward FPV Race Kit | Best Budget

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

Our Best Budget pick goes to the ZOHD Dart Sweepforward Wing. It’s a beautiful bird aimed at advanced beginners and above. The plane is easy to assemble but harder to fly.

• Best feature 1: Innovative Sweepforward wing
• Best feature 2: “S” high-efficiency airfoil
• Plus points: Quick assembly, lightweight & durable, detachable, space for FPV
• Minus points: Basic kit, not ideal for beginners, pre-assembled cables

ZOHD Dart Sweepforward Kit Highlights

This is a simple RC plane kit with much potential. Its main structure takes only minutes to assemble right out of the box. The detachable main and tail wing don’t require any glue or tools. You can disassemble the model in moments. That makes it easy to transport and convenient to store when not in use. And a spacious equipment bay has plenty of room for First Person View (FPV) gear.

Its twin tail wing helps to prevent stalling mid-flight. The model’s “S” high-efficiency airfoil provides the aircraft with incredible elevating force. The ZOHD Dart Sweepforward is well-protected too. It uses lightweight, durable EPP material and has built-in carbon fiber spars to protect against flexing. There’s even a plastic cover to shield the bottom of the fuselage from scratches.

Note: This RC plane kit doesn’t include any electronics or FPV camera.

Recommended parts to complete (not included):

• 2006 2400KV motor
• 30A ESC (electronic speed controller) w/ 1A BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit)
• 2pcs 4.3g digital servo
• 6×3 propeller
• 3S 1300-1800mAh flight battery
• Radio controller

The Not So Good

ZOHD Dart’s Sweepforward FPV Race Kit is simple enough for the hobbyist to put together. The speed and acrobatic potential of this RC aircraft are harder to handle. You want to be at least at the advanced beginner level to fly this beast. A small gripe is the pre-installed cables. That means you must use the company’s servos or change all the leads. Most RC Plane kit enthusiasts like the freedom to choose.

2. Sonicmodell AR FPV Flywing Plane Kit | Best Value

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Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

The Best Value RC plane kit goes to the AR Wing by Sonicmodell. It’s a fantastic looking kit and quick to assemble at the basic level. Beginner pilots will also find it easy to fly.

• Best feature 1: Lightweight and flexible
• Best feature 2: Detachable wing and wingtip
• Plus points: Easy hand launch, FPV camera mount, roomy bay, movable battery slot
• Minus points: Less durable than some

Sonicmodell AR Flywing Kit Highlights

The detachable wing and wingtip make it easy to transport and store when you’re not flying. The AR Wing uses EPP material for its fuselage and molded wing. It also has built-in carbon fiber spars for extra durability. Hand launching this puppy is about as easy as it gets.

There’s a multiple FPV camera mount that accommodates most popular FPV HD cameras. That includes models like GoPro H3/H4/Session, Foxeer HS1177, Runcam2/3 HD, and others. The spacious equipment bay comfortably holds all the FPV gear needed for a model in its category. And the movable battery slot is invaluable if you need to adjust the COG (Center of Gravity).

Protective Characteristics

There are extra plywood wingtips for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL). You also get a plastic cover to protect the fuselage from scratches and scuffs. Sonicmodell has enhanced the main wings as well with screws and plywood. And the fiberglass handgrips help to prevent breakage in a crash.

Note: This RC plane kit doesn’t include any electronics or FPV camera.

Recommended parts to complete (not included):

• 2204 2200kv motor (5mm shaft diameter)
• 20A 2-3s ESC (electronic speed controller)
• 2pcs 9g digital servo
• 6×3 propeller (5-6 multirotor props compatible)
• Video transmitter AIO 5.8Ghz 200mW 40ch Vtx
• 600 TVL FPV camera w/ 120 FOV (field of view)
• 2.4G 6 channel control system
• 2-3S balance charger
• B11.1V 2200mAh 25C Lipo flight battery
• Compatible camera

The Not So Good

The Sonicmodell AR uses EPP which is typical for kit planes. There’s nothing wrong with it per se; it’s just that the EPP density is not as good as some rivals like the S800. On the plus side, it keeps the plane lighter albeit a little less durable. It’s not a serious gripe but still worth mention.

3. ZETA FX-79 Buffalo Flying Wing Kit | Top Pick

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Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

The FX-79 Buffalo is a First Person View (FPV) model airplane kit. It flies beautifully, and users find its handling smooth and predictable. That’s especially good news for novice pilots.

• Best feature 1: Easy assembly (Plug & Fly)
• Best feature 2: FPV platform
• Plus points: Plugin wings, stable flight performance, sturdy EPO, outer fuselage pockets
• Minus points: Large size (also a pro), poor quality labels

ZETA FX-79 Buffalo Flying Wing Kit Highlights

This FPV bird is the larger version of the much-loved FX-61 Phantom. It has an exciting look and feel and doesn’t take long to assemble being a plug-and-fly model. All you need is a flight battery and some electronics, and you’re off. A 2000mm wingspan helps the plane fly efficiently with a FPV system in place. The FX-79 breaks down into three pieces that make it easy to transport despite its size.

The space under the sturdy EPO canopy has stacks of room for FPV gear of your choosing. Pilots also appreciate the two molded forward-facing camera bays. One bay is under the nose and the other on top of the canopy. The extra side pockets are also handy. They let you place the FPV antennas well away from the RC antennas. That’s useful as it reduces the risk of any system interference.

Note: This RC plane kit doesn’t include any electronics or FPV camera.

Recommended parts to complete (not included):

• 4 Channel (CH) Radio w/ delta mixing
• LiPoly flight battery: 3S 11.1V 4500mAh–5200mAh
• 2 x 9g metal gear servos
• 50-amp brushless ESC
• 3548 900KV outrunner motor
• 12×6 propeller
• Vtx Partom 800mw

The Not So Good

Hand launching this plane is effortless if you’re above a certain size. It’s a big bird, though, and that makes it awkward for some younger pilots. The other con is a cosmetic one that relates to the labels. The quality is not the best, and there are some complaints of ugly bubbles.

4. Mini Camel Fighter Balsa Wood RC Airplane Kit

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

The Mini Camel Fighter is a balsa wood airplane kit with a 15” (380mm) wingspan. The seller packs the laser cut precision parts with great care to protect the contents in transit.

• Best feature 1: 2 kit versions available
• Best feature 2: Lots of extras in the box
• Plus points: well packaged, excellent user manual, great value
• Minus points: Not for the novice builder, can’t fly in winds

Mini Camel Fighter Plane Kit Highlights

The original Sopwith Camel was a single-seat biplane fighter. The British first flew it in 1917 on the Western Front. The aircraft was a reassuring sight in the skies during the First World War (WW1). Well, small scale balsa wood RC planes don’t get much better than the Mini RC Camel Fighter. It’s a superb replica. The kit includes a plethora of extras like decals, wheels, tires, wing plans, and more.

Created by an Enthusiast for Enthusiasts

You can get this model in two kit versions. One includes an 8520-coreless motor plus a 4530 propeller. The basic version doesn’t contain any electronic devices. Either version is exceptional value for any fan of electric RC micro balsa wood planes. The user manual is an excellent guide and has a personal feel to it. Each stage is given a number with written instructions and close-up, uncluttered photos.

The seller is a college student (at the time of writing) passionate about his hobby. He encourages customers to contact him via email if there are any issues or to offer suggestions.

Note: The basic RC plane kit doesn’t include any electronics.

Recommended parts to complete (not included):

• Motor: 1104 brushless or 8502 coreless motor
• GWS4540 prop
• 1S 3.7V 300mAh flight battery
• Micro DSM2 receiver
• DSM2 Transmitter (TX)
• Covering Film

The Not So Good

This fantastic little plane is not suitable for novice kit fans. The instructions are brilliant, but it’s going to be too fiddly as a first-time project. Have a go if you feel you’re up to it. My advice, though, is to learn with a larger, easier-to-build model first. The only other con is that it’s ultra-lightweight. That means you can’t fly this micro model outdoors on windy days.

5. My Twin Dream MTD FPV EPO RC Airplane Kit

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Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

This model is the EPO My Twin Dream MTD RC aircraft kit. It’s quite a big bird but don’t let that put you off. It handles incredibly well and is as stable in the air as any plane in its class.

• Best feature 1: First Person View (FPV) ready
• Best feature 2: Huge fuselage interior
• Plus points: Quick to disassemble, carbon fiber spars, mapping potential, flat nose
• Minus points: Not suitable for beginners, poor packaging

My Twin Dream MTD FPV Kit Highlights

All you do to assemble the EPO parts of this big bird is snap them into place. You can disassemble it just as easily. That’s useful with larger models for both storage and transportation. The carbon fiber spars provide the plane with added stability and strength. And the wings of the My Twin Dream come in 4 sections (2 each). They’re joined in the center by interlocking plastic parts and 3 screws.

Camera-Carrying Potential

This bird has tons of fuselage space for electronics and battery, etc. Those who want to use the plane for aerial mapping have that option too. A simple cut out of the bottom section is all it takes to accommodate a down-facing camera. There’s also a larger flat section on the nose where you can mount various camera systems. The First Person View (FPV) potential of this craft is phenomenal.

Note: This RC plane kit doesn’t include any electronics or FPV camera.

Recommended parts to complete (not included):

• 2 x motors, 2814 800kv
• Propeller 9-12
• 30A–60A ESC (electronic speed controller)
• 4 x 9g servos
• 4S 5000mAH–20,000mAH LiPo flight battery
• Cables and XT60 connector
• FPV system of choice
• Radio control system

The Not So Good

Advanced beginners shouldn’t have any trouble assembling or flying this plane. New kit builders may want to start with something a little less daunting, though.

Most owners of a My Twin Dream EPO MTD FPV plane agree that it offers excellent value. Unfortunately—and probably to keep costs down—the packaging is poor. I’ve come across a few complaints of scuffs caused in transit, but no actual broken parts. I’m sure that most buyers would prefer to pay a little extra for more protective packaging.

6. Believer EPO Portable Aerial Survey RC Plane Kit

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Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

Last up on our shortlist of RC plane kits is the 1960mm Wingspan RC Believer. This is a large yet portable EPO aerial survey aircraft kit. It’s also much easier to fly than it looks.

• Best feature 1: Industry class aerial survey RC plane
• Best feature 2: Pilot-friendly flight features
• Plus points: Excellent mapping potential, durable build, modular design, roomy interior
• Minus points: FPV needs a little creative thinking, user guide not in English

Name Kit Hobby Highlights

The Believer EPO model is a joy to fly and easy to control. It’s sold as an RC aerial survey aircraft, but it’s also a versatile multi-purpose First Person View (FPV) camera plane. Reliable, stable flights and image capture are due to its system setups. They are power, control, telemetry, and image systems. Pilots favor the craft for terrain mapping, agriculture, animal husbandry protection, and forestry, etc.

Superior Parts and Build Quality

This model is well-built and uses EPO, EVA, carbon fiber, and engineering plastic in its construction. There are two carbon spars through each wing for added strength. The modular design makes the plane easier to store and transport between locations. It takes no time at all to attach and detach the wings with the sturdy locking mechanisms. All the parts are high-quality and fit to perfection.

The internal space of this RC plane contributes toward its FPV and mapping capacity. With more stuff on the inside, there’s less on the outside. The result of that is less drag and longer flight potential. The camera cabin can house a 4200W pixel camera. And there’s space in the flight battery cabin for a 6S 22000mah LiPo. All these things combined add to the power and potential of the RC Believer.

Note: This RC plane kit doesn’t include any electronics or FPV camera.

Recommended parts to complete (not included):

• 2 x Sunnysky 2814 KV900 or 2814 KV510 motors
• 2 x Hobbywing X-Rotor 40A ESC (electronic speed controller)
• 4 x Emax ES3154 servos
• APC 1145 propeller
• 4S 20000mAh or 6S 16000mAh flight battery
• Balance battery charger
• 2.4G 7CH radio system
• Pixhawk Flight controller
• Sony A7R camera
• Camera housing (Shockproof)
• Transmitter (TX) & receiver (RX)

The Not So Good

It’s unbelievable that the Believer falls short on the First Person View FPV front. It’s quite possible to add all kinds of cameras to this model with its ample interior. The problem is that you must be creative and make cuts and DIY tweaks. Some models are much better with their pre-designed camera spaces.

Another annoying thing about this plane is that there’s no English translated user guide. That’s not going to bother experienced builders too much. But an all Chinese guide is a letdown for those who need a little written guidance. YouTube should have a few video tutorials from helpful owners.