Check Out Super Sized RC Aircraft From Around The World
We love RC vehicles, especially when people make them gigantic and detailed. Below, we have aircraft, helicopters, trucks, boats, and more replicas. If people were not in the picture, we’d think we were looking at something full size. In other words, these are scale RC vehicles that look like the real thing. The meticulous craftsmanship that must have gone into these vehicles probably took years to perfect. Believe us; you are all in for something incredible.
Boeing #307B Stratoliner
It’s not everyday you see a model RC plane from the 1940s. This Boeing #307B Stratoliner was a transcontinental aircraft built by Boeing in the 40s. They only made 15. Featuring a 180 inch wingspan, this plane was built by Carl Bachhuber in the winter of 2006-2007. her maiden flight was golden.
A-10 Thunderbolt II
A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog) can perform below a 1,000-foot ceiling with 1.5-mile visibility. It also has a long loiter time, making it competent at ground support. Along with these elements, the Warthog has an 800-mile range of anti-explosion foam protecting its fuel cells.
C-17 Globemaster III
The C-17 Globemaster III made its first flight on Sept. 15, 1991. The aircraft is 174 feet in length (53 meters) with a wingspan of 169 feet, 10 inches (51.75 meters), and has a maximum payload of 172,000 pounds (77,519 kg).
RC XXXL L-39 Albatros
Seeing the name Breitling brings high end sky racing and expensive watches to mind. However, here we have a Breitling model RC airplane. Actually, it’s an RC XXXL L-39 Albatros model aircraft to be exact. She has a wingspan of 11.25 feet which makes this beauty the largest racing RC jet on record.
B-50 bomber
Licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority, this Boeing B-50 Superfortress was known as the largest flying RC aircraft on record. The owner built the entire thing in his garage to scale. And while we have seen several aircraft on our list with 10 foot plus wingspans, this one is double. Yeah, you read that right, a 20 feet from tip to tip!
RC Turbine Helicopter EC135 EuroCopter
This RC scale helicopter is massive! You can tell from the image that the EC135 is no fly weight. She is made to 1/3 scale and weighs over 108 pounds. Her rotor diameter is equally impressive, 10 feet! This is not pilot Michael Franke’s first chopper rodeo. He is skilled and adept at flying his RC Turbine Helicopter EC135 Eurocopter.
F-16 Fighting Falcon
This RC Aircraft is a recreation of the Royal Netherlands Air Force Solo Display Team’s F-16 Fighting Falcon; very cool. The F-16 can go Mach 2 (1,600mph) and was responsible for 25% of combat sorties in Operation Desert Storm.
Sukhoi Su-30
Supercar Blondie showcased this RC jet on her channel. It is a replica of a Russian Sukhoi Su-30 made by two men in Dubai. The real Sukhoi Su-30 has a top speed of 1,317 mph and a range of 1,864 mi.
SR-71 Blackbird
There is arguably no aircraft that has captured the imagination of the public quite like the SR-71 Blackbird. The Blackbird has been out of commission for awhile, but there’s not one person at an air show that wouldn’t give something special to see one fly low to the ground overhead.
Bowsers Fly Baby
We are not sure exactly what plane the creators modeled this RC aircraft after. If we had to guess, it looks very similar to a Bowers Fly Baby. A Fly Baby is a handmade wooden single-seat aircraft with an open cockpit. Peter M. Bowers designed and made it in 1962.
Syma S109G 3.5 Channel RC Helicopter with Gyro
Featuring a brushed motor and lithium battery, this Syma S109G is perfect for beginners. Also, that’s right, the mean nose and guns are just an act. It does have a tendency to drift back a little during flight so be warned, but it consistently ranked as one of the quieter model copters on the market.
Concorde
The Concorde was an airliner used by British Airways and Air France that operated between 1970 to 2003. It could hold 92 to 128 passengers and travel at Mach 2.04. The designers made the nose of the aircraft droop, so it didn’t hider the pilot’s view during takeoffs and landings.
B-2 Spirit
While the focus of the B-2 Spirit’s design is to fool radar, it also works to fool the human eye. The B-2 Spirit is indeed a flying optical illusion. Viewed from one angle, and the aircraft is a thin line—a ‘flying wing’, as the design is called. Viewed from a slightly different angle, and the whole thing becomes a bulbous flying torpedo. This makes the B-2 difficult to spot in the skies.
RC Skymaster
While this is cheaper than a real Skymaster jet, don’t get too happy just yet. You will need to pony up $3,000 to call one yours. yet, once you get it, the sky is yours. This RC beauty features a 10 foot wing span and weighs just under 50 lbs. The body is all aluminum with riveted construction.
RC Boeing 747
Okay so this is definitely the biggest RC airplane we have ever seen. Are you ready for the specs? She is almost 18 feet long with a wingspan of 16 feet and weighs almost 150 pounds! Yes, this baby has spent little too much time filling up on jet fuel. She may need a diet. Yet, she flies just the same.
L-39C Albatross
The L-39 Albatros is a conventional jet fighter trainer produced by Aero out of Czechoslovakia. Although not a war fighting aircraft, the Albatros was extensively sold to Warsaw Pact nations during the Cold War because of its excellent trainer capabilities. The L-39 Albatros is reported to be an exceptionally easy aircraft to fly.
Mitchell B-25 Bomber
There is perhaps no aircraft more famous, especially during World War II, than the B-25. Its high-rate of production, versatility, and use by several Allied countries makes it one of the most recognizable aircraft in the world. The North American B-25 Mitchell, named after Brigadier General William “Billy” Mitchell, was a twin-engine bomber.
B-17 Flying Fortress
Boeing made the B-17 Flying Fortress for the United States Army Air Corps. The Allied Power heavily used it in the daylight strategic bombing campaign of World War II. As of 2022, it remains the third most-produced bomber in history. Pfeffer “Peda” Maßstab constructed a B-17 1/5.6-scale RC aircraft. It is 14 feet long and has a wingspan of 19 feet. The RC plane took him four years to construct. Peda made it using balsa and plywood plus four 42cc gas engines. Along with these elements, the B-17 has retractable landing gear and flaps. The RC plane is 187 pounds.
RC Antonov An-255 Mriya
Michael Speier built this RC Antonov An-255 Mriya. The actual one was a Soviet Union-designed strategic airlift cargo aircraft finished in the late 1980s. The model is 1:16 in scale and uses two Behotec JB-180 gasoline engines and four 90er EF 6s electric fan engines. Speir also added 32 wheels landing gear system. The RC aircraft is a staggering 17.89 feet long and has a wingspan of 19.03 feet. We are impressed with the detail on this one and are curious about the time it took to build.
Kalinin K-7
We’d never thought someone would turn this strange plane into an RC aircraft. If there are any peculiar aircraft fanatics out there, they already know this is a model of a Kalinin K-7. The Soviet Union began building the real one in 1931. At the time, the aircraft was one of the biggest planes in history, with a wingspan of 173 feet 11 inches (53m) and a length of 91 feet 10 inches (28m). Unfortunately, structural issues caused it to fail, and the Soviets ended the project in 1935. Glad a fan out there wanted to resurrect the odd design.
RC Skyblazers
Every year the RC Sky Blazers hold an air meet to showcase their skills. People bring their model jest from all over the world. Of course, the RC Skyblazer planes are themed after the real group. In 1949, three pilots decided to perform maneuvers on their way back to the United States Air Force base in Germany. The aerobatics worked so well, they decided to form the Sky Blazers.
C-130 Hercules
The Korean War proved to the United States that a new generation of heavy lifter aircraft was desperately needed in order to meet the changing mission requirements of the Cold War world. In 1951, the United States Air Force issued the call for a transport aircraft that had the capacity for 92 passengers, 72 combat troops, or 64 paratroops. Enter the C-130 Hercules.
Airbus a330 RC
Okay so it’s one thing to be an RC jet fighter enthusiast. However, when you decide an Airbus A330 RC plane is your style, you really have to wonder. This plane had to be moved in several pieces and put together on site before flying. The battery nests inside the fuselage just over the wings.
Grumman F-9 Cougar
This cougar is gorgeous! And by cougar we mean the plane, get your head out of the gutter buddy. This Grumman F-9 Cougar was a carrier based jet fighter made for the United States Navy. This scale model RC Cougar costs just under $1,400 and features and 8kg turbine engine with a 5 foot plus wing span.
Pirotti Models Rebel Pro
This particular RC jet made it debut in 2014 at JetPower. Unfamiliar with JetPower? It’s the annual RC jet enthusiast air meet. in Germany and this RC jet was the talk of the 2014 event. Made by Pirotti, the Rebel Pro has a nice 8.5 foot wingspan and is almost 10 feet long.
Fly Eagle Jet F18F
There are large RC scale jets and there are 1/6 scale large RC F18 fighter jets. This one is fantastic! Owner Michael Sarysz is seen here before a take off run in Kentucky. Large scale RC jets like these lend themselves to options like custom cockpits, paint job and landing gear.
RC F-14
This F-14 RC jet features two K140 turbine engines. And as large as it is, it still weighs surprisingly less than similar RC aircraft. it weigh about as much as a first grader, 64 pounds. The owner, Paul McCarthy, states that he has flown it several times, a few of those sweeping the wings back. Now that is something we can get excited about.
Mig 25 RC Scale Twin Turbine
Check out the largest RC Mig on the planet. It’s made to 1/25 scale, and yes, it has twin turbine jet powered engines. She is 4.2 meters long and weighs just over 92 pounds. During the 60s, the Mig 25 (Mikoyan-Gurevich) was considered to be the fastest military reconnaissance plane of its time.
RC Helicopter CH53 Heer
You might almost think you are looking at a stage set for a throwback episode of MASH. Yet this is just a large scale RC helicopter. The CH-53 Sea Stallion was part of the Sikorsky S-65 line of copters. They were originally developed for the Marines, and saw war time action during the late to post Vietnam era.
A-10 Thunderbolt Camo
The A-10 Warthog. The official designation for this aircraft is the A-10 Thunderbolt II, named after its illustrious WWII predecessor the P-47 Thunderbolt. However, one interesting A-10 fact is that the nickname “Warthog” is so popular and well loved that it appears in official documents.
WACO YMF-5
This giant flyer measures 79x25x16 inches. It’s a 1/3 Giant Scale WACO YMF-5 RC aircraft. The one seen here is owned by Arthur Pearce, member of a local aero club in Hartford County Connecticut. They are known as the Hartford County Radio Control Modelers and are about 6 strong.
RC F-35 Lightning II
After extensive negotiations, the US and Saudi Arabia finalized an arms deal worth over US$100 billion. While many aircraft were included in the agreement, the most prominent among them was the F-35 Lightning II. Currently the kingdom of Saudi Arabia has ordered 84 F-35s, and may acquire more in the near future.
Peterbilt 359 RC 1:4
Here is a Peterbilt 359 remote-controlled semi built to 1:4 scale. The driver actually has a trailer attached. If you didn’t know any better, you would definitely mistake this for the real thing. The father-son combo responsible for creating these semi’s are known for being excruciatingly exact with detail.
RC Blazer
Look close in the Chevy Blazer RC vehicle and you might notice something odd. The driver side tire looks a bit funny. Well, there’s good reason for that. Seems like the plastic C-hubs on both sides of the driver side axle broke during this fun run through a mud bog. The owner states he uses plastic parts for the C-hubs because he would rather have those parts break and replace them.
Peterbilt 359 RC 1:4.
Peterbilt 359 is a true custom build. The owner got the idea from watching a video he found on the internet. Seems like a Netherlander was driving one around in a park. once inspiration kicked in he started collecting images and video. The cabin required several hours of fiberglass fabrication and two iron pipes were used smoke stacks.
DXR2 Dozer
This all metal bulldozer has some pretty amazing features. For one, the blade can both move up and down and tilt forwards or backwards to scoop up dirt. In addition, it has a sideways feature allowing the blade to tilt diagonally in the air. This is possible because each of the hydraulic controls are independent(yet the tilt only moves in one direction).
RC Peterbilt 359 Truck
If this Peterbilt 359 semi looks familiar, that’s because it’s the brother of the one we featured earlier. Seems like the father’s creativity rubbed off on his son. So, the son built a another semi to enjoy. Just as its predecessor, this Peterbilt 359 is entirely handmade and custom-built. Of course, that’s pretty obvious from the driver’s seat.
797F Metal Haul Mining Truck RC4WD
It’s not every day you see an RC 797F mining dump truck. Finding a regular dump minor is just as rare. These things are absolutely massive, over 23 feet tall and 30 feet wide. Open up the dump body and the height towers to almost 50 feet.
Tesla Truck RC
The Tesla Cybertruck made waves when it was released in 2019. First of all, for it’s abnormal shape. Secondly, because it is a product of Tesla and genius inventor/marketing maven Elon Musk. And third, because it touts some of the most abnormal, excessive features that you’ve ever seen on a truck.
RC Tank
Leave it to the UK Tank Club to draw RC tank enthusiasts like magnets. And who can argue? These tanks look exactly like the real thing. Take this German Tiger Tank for instance. It moves and turns like its real big brother, complete with a gunner and pilot. The best part? Most RC tanks are equipped to fire blank explosives.
Boomerang RC Jet
Looking for a fun fly? Boomerang RC Jets are the answer. The company has been satisfying pilots for more than 13 years. However, the best part about a Boomerang RC Jet is the aircraft itself. They are light weight, easy to maneuver and meant it be assembled in the field. In fact, Boomerangs were made with grass fields in mind.
RC 16 Wheeler
This sixteen wheeler is ready to roll. And while it may not be suitable for true highway driving, RC enthusiasts love it! At 1/4 scale, big rig RC vehicles are built with two things in mind, detail and power. This blue semi features a sleeper cab (team driving anyone?) and six blinding fog lights mounted over top of the cab. All that’s missing is a trailer.
RC Tractor
These RC farm equipment vehicles are ready to work! Featuring all metal construction and real working parts, they can do anything normal farm equipment can do, to scale of course. These harvesters can mow, chip and load just like real combines and tractors.
RC Komatsu Excavator
Because who doesn’t want a 1/50 scale model RC excavator? You can load, scoop and move earth with the best of them! This little guy weighs 44 pounds and comes ready to dig. And yes, there are optional parts like rock protection, decals and a 5 valve block set up should you feel like you are in a “custom” frame of mind.
1948 KR11 International Harvester
Talk about authentic, this 1948 KR11 International Harvester is spot on. The owner built the RC Harvester from a King Kong RC Ca-10 kit. However, it is a true open differential two wheel drive vehicle with a few other neat additions. For instance, the bed is made entirely of wood and both the front and rear axles feature leaf springs.
RC Jeep
Is that a Jeep Rubicon crawling around a muddy backwoods trail? Looks like it. Actually, this is an SCX10 RC vehicle. Sold by Axial, these Jeeps are equipped to handle all types of terrain. At 19.25 inches long and 8.9 inches wide, the SCX10 is sizable enough to tackle real world conditions.
Victorian Pre-Dreadnaughts
This RC model ship is huge. She is 47 inches long… that’s almost 4 feet! This is a scale model replica of the SMS Babenburg. She was an Austrian vessel made in 1899. October 4, 1902 saw her launch as the last of 3 ships in her class. The Babenburg was active in World War I and was given as a gift to Great Britain after the war.
6×6 Mud Truck
So this RC 6×6 vehicle has an interesting history. Owned by RC Studios (the same owner of the 1948 Harvester RC truck) this red truck had a make over. Originally it was a black Peterbilt semi dubbed “Black Peter.” However, the owner stripped every piece of chrome from the body, sanded it down and painted the cab a glossy fire engine red color.
RC Volvo Dump Truck
Pony up $8,000 and you can get your own Large scale (1/14) import dump truck. Two powerful hydraulic arms control the dump body on this ready to run (RTR) model from CSMI. There are many options and add ons including different lighting rigs, frame mods and wheel upgrades.
RC Excavator Caterpillar 375ME
What do we have here? Oh, just another HUGE RC excavator at work. This one is a Caterpillar 375ME RC model that weighs almost 115 pounds! As such, she can “EX” and “CAVATE” with the best of them. Most of the time, operators wear a harness to support their RC controls for these types of vehicles.
RC 1/4 King Tiger Tank
How do you unload a mega 1/4 scale RC King Tiger Tank from a vehicle? With ramps of course, and nerves of steel. This is a custom build, one of those unavailable for purchase type things. Yeah, it stinks, but there are numerous places online to buy large scale tanks.
RC 1:8 Scale Excavator Caterpillar
Looking for a 1/8 scale RC excavator with 15 channel controls and a 680 degree view? We found it for you. This little gem is made by Toy Machine and is a beautiful RC construction vehicle. There are a few differences between it and its larger cousins.
Kawasaki Ki-45
Remember that time the Japanese Imperial Air Force issued a mandate for a two seater twin engine jet fighter in 1937? Well David Andersen does. He builds custom RC planes to spec and this is one of his more prolific creations. The Kawasaki Ki-45 is an exact 1:5 scale RC fighter jet made by David after looking at numerous old photographs to ensure build accuracy.
RC Tank
This tank is part of the RC model building fair from 2017 in Germany. Each year, hundreds of RC tank enthusiasts gather to show off their model RC tanks. These tanks are incredibly realistic (model tank RC enthusiasts are known for their eye attention to detail).
RC Arocs Truck
RC vehicles are a worldwide phenomenon. This picture features an RC dump truck from the Mini Truck Club meet in Spain. What’s interesting though is the truck itself. This is a Mercedes dump truck. Typically we think of Mercedes as a luxury vehicle leader.
RC CAT Excavator
The next time you find yourself in Germany, head to one of the model fairs/expos. This CAT was one of the features at both the Model Fair Leipzig and Model Fair Friedrichshafen in 2016. And it’s huge! This excavator is 1:6 scale! With fully operational hydraulics and a 680 degree rotation, this excavator can scoop anything you need removed.
RC Dozer D10T
This CAT bulldozer is just enjoying the day, pushing top soil form point A to point B. For large scale RC construction models, that’s the life. For owners, maintenance rules the day. For instance this owner had to have custom decals made for his dozer (one of only 5 known to exist).
RC Panther
Before you get jealous, stow your emotions. This RC Panther Tan is a custom build. The owner does have plans to sell it, but he may keep it for a while. After all, it did take 6-8 months to build. It’s built to 1:3 scale, which is huge by any standards. And while this one is currently off the market, you can fetch an equally handsome 1/4 scale Tiger Tank if you have $16,000.
RC CAT Excavator
Okay, so we are well aware this looks like a scene straight out of the 1980s hit movie War Games. There are enough joysticks here to make any geek’s mouth water. Yet, it’s just another day at the office if you happen to be the owner of this CAT 320 RC Excavator. The joysticks ensure fluid, realistic movement and give the operator a wide range of control.
Polaris RZR XP 1000
Don’t mistake this guy for one of those toy store RC cars. The Polaris RZR XP 1000 is in a class all its own. For starters, this little guy isn’t so little. It is 29 inches long, 23 inches wide and stands 14 inches from ground to top. Furthermore, he weighs jut over 11 pounds and has 3.5 inches of ground clearance.