Welcome to the world of electric model aircraft! Flying electric models has never been more popular, and for good reason – electric power systems have come a long way, making today’s electric models easier and more satisfying to fly than ever before.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best electric model aircraft kits available in 2024, from small park flyers to giant-scale aerobatic models. We’ll look at models suitable for beginners as well as more experienced RC pilots. For each model, we’ll discuss key specs and features that make it a great choice.
Whether you’re looking to get started with electric flight or add an exciting new model to your hangar, you’re sure to find inspiration here! Let’s take a look at some of the best electric kits that 2024 has to offer.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Small park flyers like the E-flite Apprentice are great for beginners learning to fly electric models.
- Aerobatic models like the ExtremeFlight Extra 300 offer exciting 3D performance with electric power.
- Classic warbirds like the Top Flite P-47 are fun to fly and look great when built as electric kits.
- Large-scale jets like the Top Flite F-16 provide a thrilling flight experience unmatched by glow fuel models.
- Kits like the Horizon Hobby UMX series allow you to enjoy ultra-micro electric flight indoors or out.
- Companies like E-flite, ParkZone, Hangar 9, Top Flite and Horizon Hobby all offer excellent electric aircraft model kits.
- Consider your goals, skill level and budget when selecting an electric model aircraft kit.
Beginner Electric Kits
If you’re new to RC flying and want to learn with an electric model, these beginner-friendly kits are great options to consider:
E-flite Apprentice
The E-flite Apprentice has long been one of the most popular training models, and the latest RTF (ready-to-fly) electric version makes it easier than ever to learn to fly with this high-wing trainer.
Key specs:
- Wingspan: 37 in
- Length: 34.5 in
- Weight: 32-34 oz
- Motor: 15-size brushless outrunner
- Battery: 11.1V 2200mAh LiPo
With safe and stable flight characteristics, rugged composite construction and SAFE technology to prevent loss of control, the electric Apprentice can take anything student pilots can dish out. It’s an ideal first model.
Hobbico NexSTAR EP
Another excellent ready-to-fly electric trainer, the NexSTAR EP features a lightweight pusher prop design protected by a fiberglass cowl and steerable nose wheel.
Key specs:
- Wingspan: 40 in
- Length: 34.5 in
- Weight: 32-34 oz
- Motor: 1811-1850Kv brushless outrunner
- Battery: 11.1V 2200mAh LiPo
The NexSTAR flies smoothly and deliberately, giving new pilots time to think and react. The included Spektrum DXe transmitter features multiple flight mode settings to match the pilot’s experience level.
ParkZone T-28 Trojan
This WWII-era warbird is an ideal choice for an electric model RC plane you can learn to fly with. The T-28’s rugged design and large control surfaces make it very forgiving.
Key specs:
- Wingspan: 32 in
- Length: 25 in
- Weight: 17.6-18.7 oz
- Motor: 480 960Kv brushless outrunner
- Battery: 7.4V 380mAh LiPo
The Bind-N-Fly version includes a 2.4GHz radio system so it’s ready to fly right from the box. The T-28 flies smoothly and slowly enough for new RC pilots.
Aerobatic Electric Kits
Once you’ve mastered the basics of RC flight, you may want to move on to a model capable of aerobatic stunts and maneuvers. These hot-rod electrics will wow crowds at the flying field.
Extreme Flight Extra 300
With its symmetrical airfoil and composite construction, the Extra 300 is made for 3D aerobatics powered by electric flight. This kit version requires radio gear and a motor/battery pack.
Key specs:
- Wingspan: 59 in
- Length: 55 in
- Weight: 7-8 lb
- Motor: Not included
- Battery: Not included
The Extra 300 will hover, torque roll, knife-edge and snap roll with the best aerobatic models. The pre-painted trim scheme looks fantastic in the air.
Hangar 9 Extra 330SC
From precision IMAC flying to insane 3D freestyle, the Extra 330SC delivers on all fronts thanks to its lightweight composite airframe and 3-piece wing design.
Key specs:
- Wingspan: 78 in
- Length: 87 in
- Weight: 17 lb
- Motor: Not included
- Battery: Not included
Designed for 10S LiPo power, this Extra 330SC ARF features detailed scale trim including cockpit details and wheel pants so it looks as great sitting still as it does tumbling through the sky.
FMS 1400mm Pitts S-1S
This affordable ARF (almost ready-to-fly) model brings aerobatic performance home with pre-installed 9g servos, hinges and control horns. Just add a 6S power system and receiver.
Key specs:
- Wingspan: 55 in
- Length: 49 in
- Weight: 6 lb 5oz
- Motor: Not included
- Battery: Not included
The 1400mm Pitts is lightweight yet durable thanks to its EPO foam construction. The scale color scheme looks fantastic and the generous flight controls make it a great match for aerobatic flying.
Scale Electric Warbirds
For many RC pilots, few things beat the nostalgia and excitement of vintage warbird flight. Electric power makes warbirds viable for more flyers than ever, and these kits capture the magic beautifully.
Top Flite P-47 Razorback
With its big radial engine up front, the P-47 Thunderbolt was one of the most recognizable aircraft of WWII. This 1/5 scale kit captures every last scale detail, from the pilot bust to removable panels and opening canopy.
Key specs:
- Wingspan: 63.75 in
- Length: 56.5 in
- Weight: 16-18 lb
- Motor: Not included
- Battery: Not included
While big, the P-47 flies smooth and straight thanks to its semi-symmetrical airfoil. Just add your favorite 90mm EDF power system or prop-driven equivalent to bring this warbird legend home.
Flyzone F4U-4 Corsair
The gull-winged Corsair was a WWII fighter-bomber classic, and this PNP (plug-n-play) version makes it easy to own a ready-to-fly scale model of this iconic aircraft.
Key specs:
- Wingspan: 59.8 in
- Length: 48.2 in
- Weight: 6.6-6.9 lb
- Motor: 36-Size Brushless Outrunner
- Battery: 11.1V 3S 2200mAh 30C LiPo
The included retracts, LED lights, pilot figure and other details let the Flyzone Corsair live up to its full-scale counterparts. It flies as great as it looks!
E-flite Spitfire Mk XIV
With its slender elliptical wings and streamlined fuselage, the Supermarine Spitfire achieved legendary status in the Battle of Britain. E-flite’s 1.2m model brings this fighter to life in your RC hangar.
Key specs:
- Wingspan: 47.2 in
- Length: 41.5 in
- Weight: 5.1-5.5 lb
- Motor: 36-Size Brushless Outrunner
- Battery: 11.1V 3S 2200mAh 30C LiPo
The pre-installed retracts, scale pilot bust and panel lines will satisfy scale purists. The flight performance matches the graceful beauty of the full-size Spitfire.
High-Performance Electric Jets
For the ultimate electric flight experience, a scale jet model can’t be beat. These EDF (electric ducted fan) kits offer thrilling speed and realism. They do require expert building and flying skills however.
Top Flite F-16 Falcon
This 1/5 scale version of the legendary F-16 Fighting Falcon looks incredibly realistic in the air thanks to details like an authentic cockpit, metal landing gear and sequenced dual EDF jet exhaust.
Key Specs:
- Wingspan: 70 in
- Length: 77 in
- Weight: 17-19 lb
- EDFs: 2x 70mm units
- Batteries: 2x 6S 5000mAh LiPo
While expensive, the Top Flite F-16 delivers military jet presence and performance unmatched by any other model type. From high speed passes to hovering over the runway, this jet lives up to the real Falcon’s capabilities.
Freewing F-22 Raptor
Freewing’s take on the stealthy F-22 air superiority fighter captures the aircraft’s angular lines and details in a PNP version that’s ready for your choice of 90mm ducted fan power.
Key specs:
- Wingspan: 55 in
- Length: 60 in
- Weight: 9 lb 5 oz
- EDFs: 2x 90mm units
- Batteries: 2x 6S 5000mAh LiPo
The pre-painted gray digital camo looks incredible in flight. Options like flaps, retracts and LED lights add to the wow factor. Despite its complex looks, the F-22 flies smoothly thanks to built-in gyro stabilization.
E-flite F-4 Phantom II
With its angular fuselage, the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom looks right at home on a modern flight line. E-flite’s Plug-N-Play version captures the jet’s timeless style and performance.
Key specs:
- Wingspan: 37 in
- Length: 58 in
- Weight: 8 lb 5 oz
- EDFs: 2x 70mm units
- Batteries: 2x 6S 4000mAh LiPo
The pre-painted Vietnam-era camo scheme looks as great in the air as it does on the ground. Assembly takes 10-15 hours, so be prepared for a project. The result flies like it’s on rails.
Ultra-Micro Electric Models
Tiny electric models offer big fun in apartments, garages, or backyards when space is limited. They’re also more affordable to get into electric flight. Here are some great micro options:
ParkZone Ultra Micro Series
ParkZone offers a wide range of tiny, factory-built models including warbirds, aerobatic planes and training models. Most feature 2.4GHz radio systems and come fully assembled.
Key specs:
- Wingspan: 12-24 in
- Length: 11-18 in
- Weight: 1-2.5 oz
- Motor: 280-760Kv micro brushless
- Battery: 150-300mAh 1S LiPo
ParkZone’s ultra micro series lets you experience the joy of flight indoors or out. Models like the T-28 Trojan are great for learning, while the Spitfire offers warbird thrills in a tiny package.
E-flite UMX Series
Similar to ParkZone’s micros, E-flite’s UMX (ultra micro extreme) lineup offers everything from aerobatic planes to quads and gliders that fit in the palm of your hand and can fly just about anywhere.
Key specs:
- Wingspan: 12-24 in
- Length: 7-14 in
- Weight: 1-2 oz
- Motor: 70-430Kv micro brushless
- Battery: 150-300mAh 1S LiPo
UMX models like the xeno racing plane and Timber cruiser allow for serious performance in an extremely portable platform. Perfect for backyard fun or indoor winter flying.
Horizon Hobby Night Radian BNF
No larger than some RC cars, the Night Radian is an ideal introduction to night flying. Just charge the tiny 1S LiPo battery and this micro glider is ready to fly using its LED beacon for orientation.
Key specs:
- Wingspan: 14.5 in
- Length: 11.6 in
- Weight: 1.1 oz
- Motor: 85Kv micro brushless
- Battery: 150mAh 1S 25C LiPo
The Night Radian flies slowly and smoothly, perfect for cruising after dark. The tough EPS foam construction means it can handle repeated crashes and landings as you learn.
What to Consider When Buying an Electric Model Aircraft Kit
With so many options on the market, it can be tough deciding which electric aircraft kit is right for your needs and experience level. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Skill level – Look for a kit suited to your current ability. Beginner and intermediate kits fly more predictably. Expert models demand top piloting skills.
- Flying site – Consider the space you have to fly. Large models need big open areas. Micro models are perfect for small backyards or indoor sites.
- Power system – Brushless motors require proper electronic speed controls. Make sure all components are compatible.
- ARF vs RTF – Almost-ready-to-fly kits require less work but cost more. Ready-to-fly models are the easiest to get in the air.
- Flight style – Look for a kit that matches the type of flying you want to do, such as training, aerobatics, gliding or high-speed.
- Budget – Electric model kits range from under $100 to over $1,000. Setting a budget will help narrow down the options.
No matter your goals or experience level, there are fantastic electric model aircraft kits available to match your needs. The models we’ve highlighted here represent just a sampling of what’s available to RC pilots in 2024.
The Future of Electric Model Aircraft
The world of electric flight is continuously evolving. Each year brings new technology and capabilities making electric models cheaper, safer and more powerful. Here are some key trends to watch for:
- More affordable smart battery technology like self-discharging for storage and intelligent fuel gauges for monitoring charge. This makes electric flight simpler.
- Increased efficiency allowing longer flight times. New motors, ESCs and batteries will allow models to stay aloft for 30 minutes or more on a charge.
- Advanced sensor integration makes models easier to control via auto-stabilization and self-leveling flight modes for beginners.
- Continued adoption of safe power delivery systems like SAFE prevents uncontrolled responses that could lead to crashes.
- Improved manufacturing techniques like molded composites and 3D-printing reduce production costs allowing more elaborate designs.
- Long-range control systems for FPV and autonomous flight.
Electric power will only expand RC flight possibilities in the coming years. The technology makes models quieter, cleaner and accessible to more hobbyists than ever. It’s a great time to join the world of electric flight!
Conclusion
We’ve explored some of the most innovative and exciting electric model aircraft kits available in 2024. From tiny micro models to giant-scale aerobatic jets, electric power makes flight possible for all types of RC pilots.
Modern electric components allow for flight that is simply not possible with glow fuel models. Smooth, reliable power delivery. Insane vertical capabilities. And you don’t have to deal with starting small gas engines or cleaning up oily residue.
Whether you’re an aspiring beginner or seasoned expert, the electric kits highlighted here are sure to deliver amazing performance and hours of flying enjoyment. Thanks to constant advancement in motors, batteries and electronics, the future looks very bright for electric RC flight.
Now it’s time to pick out an exciting new model and take to the skies! We hope this guide has provided some helpful tips and inspiration as you select the perfect electric aircraft kit to add to your RC hangar. Safe travels and happy flying!
