RC Model Airplane Manufacturers

By James | March 2, 2025

CARF P-51D MUSTANG
CARF P-51D MUSTANG

European RC Airplane Manufacturers


Multiplex Modellsport

Overview: A long established manufacturer famous for its innovative use of Elapor foam in RC airplane construction, offering a wide range from powered gliders to high performance jets.

Country of Origin: Germany

Production site(s): Germany

Highlights: Known for innovative materials and a comprehensive product range.

Website: https://www.multiplex-rc.de/

Graupner/SJ GmbH (out of business since February 2020)

Overview: With roots dating back to 1930, Graupner is a historic and influential name in RC model design and radio control systems, celebrated for its pioneering products in both aircraft and boat models.

Country of Origin: Germany

Production site(s): Germany

Highlights: Renowned for pioneering influence and comprehensive product lines.

Website: Out of Business

Tomahawk Aviation GmbH

Overview: Specializes in RC motor planes and scale jets, using advanced composite technologies to produce high quality models engineered for both performance and detailed scale appearance.

Country of Origin: Germany

Production site(s): Germany

Highlights: Known for high precision composites and realistic scale designs.

Website: https://tomahawk-aviation.com/

CARF Models Ltd.

Overview: A premium manufacturer renowned for its high end composite RC airplanes. Its range includes aerobatic prop planes, scale jets, gliders, and sport jets engineered using cutting edge CAD design and composite construction methods.

Country of Origin: Germany

Production site(s): Germany

Highlights: Recognized for advanced composite construction and innovative design.

Website: https://carf-models.com/

Composite RC Gliders

Overview: Specializes in the development, design, and manufacture of high quality model airplanes and gliders built predominantly from composites such as fiberglass and carbon fiber.

Country of Origin: Germany

Production site(s): Germany, Poland, Czech Republic

Highlights: Combines scientific design with extensive practical experience.

Website: https://composite-rc-gliders.com/

SEBART International IT S.r.l.

Overview: A prominent Italian manufacturer known for its innovative RC airplane models and components, including EDF jets, mini jets, and aerobatic models.

Country of Origin: Italy

Production site(s): Italy

Highlights: Offers advanced composite construction and precise, competition tailored designs.

Website: http://www.sebart.it/

Robbe Modellsport

Overview: Founded in 1924, Robbe Modellsport was a pioneering company in the RC model kit industry, renowned for high quality kits for airplanes, boats, and cars that popularized the hobby in Germany and Europe.

Country of Origin: Germany

Production site(s): Germany

Highlights: Despite bankruptcy in 2015, its legacy continues through successor companies.

Website: https://www.robbe.com/

PICHLER

Overview: A respected manufacturer of RC model airplanes and gliders known for innovative designs and high quality craftsmanship offered in both kit and ready-to-fly formats.

Country of Origin: Germany

Production site(s): Germany, China

Highlights: Recognized for excellent flying characteristics, precision engineering, and durability.

Website: https://pichler.de/

TOPMODEL CZ

Overview: Specializes in producing high quality scale RC models, renowned for detailed craftsmanship and competitive pricing.

Country of Origin: Czech Republic

Production site(s): Czech Republic

Highlights: Appeals to both enthusiasts and competition pilots with its attention to detail.

Website: https://www.topmodelcz.cz/

RBC KITS

Overview: Produces detailed, high quality RC aircraft kits with a focus on advanced composite construction and scale accuracy.

Country of Origin: The Netherlands

Production site(s): The Netherlands

Highlights: Appeals to advanced hobbyists and competition pilots valuing intricate detailing.

Website: https://www.rbckits.com/

AERONAUT

Overview: Designs RC aircraft that combine scale realism with excellent flight performance, featuring robust construction and aerodynamic precision.

Country of Origin: Germany

Production site(s): Germany

Highlights: Suitable for casual and competitive flying.

Website: https://aero-naut.de/

TOMAHAWK AVIATION T-28
TOMAHAWK AVIATION T-28 TROJAN

North American RC Airplane Manufacturers


SIGMFG

Overview: SIGMFG is a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in high-quality RC model components and kits. Leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies, SIGMFG emphasizes precision engineering and robust design to meet the demands of both competitive pilots and hobby enthusiasts.

Country of Origin: United States

Production site(s): United States

Highlights: Known for its innovative design approach and durable, high-performance products that enhance the flying experience.

Website: https://sigmfg.com/

EXTREME FLIGHT

Overview: Focuses on high performance RC jet models designed for dynamic aerobatics and rapid maneuvering.

Country of Origin: United States

Production site(s): United States

Highlights: Models deliver thrilling 3D flight experiences for advanced pilots.

Website: https://extremeflightrc.com/

TOP FLITE (Horizon Hobby, LLC)

Overview: Founded in 1959, Top Flite is an iconic name in RC aircraft, known for high quality kits and ready-to-fly models that emphasize scale detail and durability.

Country of Origin: United States

Production site(s): United States

Highlights: The Top Flite 60 scale series and various trainer models are enduring favorites.

Website: https://www.horizonhobby.com/top-flite/

E FLITE (Horizon Hobby, LLC)

Overview: A market leader under Horizon Hobby, E Flite produces a broad range of ready-to-fly electric RC aircraft celebrated for innovation, durability, and ease of use.

Country of Origin: United States

Production site(s): United States

Highlights: Flagship models like the F 27 and Viper series are highly popular.

Website: https://www.horizonhobby.com/

HANGAR 9 (Horizon Hobby, LLC)

Overview: Offers a wide spectrum of ready-to-fly RC aircraft—from trainers to high performance scale jets—with an emphasis on durability and modern design.

Country of Origin: United States

Production site(s): United States, China

Highlights: Renowned for excellent flight characteristics and robust construction.

Website: https://www.horizonhobby.com/

BILL HEMPEL

Overview: A renowned designer in the RC model community celebrated for innovative kit designs and precision engineering.

Country of Origin: United States

Production site(s): United States

Highlights: His work has significantly influenced modern RC aircraft design with a focus on exceptional flight characteristics.

Website: https://www.billhempel.com/

CARL GOLDBERG (out of business)

Overview: Legendary in the RC world, Carl Goldberg’s company produced highly detailed and innovative model kits since the mid‑20th century.

Country of Origin: United States

Production site(s): United States

Highlights: Kits are classic, prized for meticulous scale accuracy and enduring performance.

Website: Company is out of business

Extreme Flight 85
Extreme Flight 85" MXS

Asian RC Airplane Manufacturers


KYOSHO RC Japan

Overview: Renowned for its innovative and high-quality RC model kits, KYOSHO RC Japan offers a diverse range of products—from scale RC airplanes and cars to boats—that exemplify authentic Japanese craftsmanship and cutting-edge design.

Country of Origin: Japan

Production site(s): Japan

Highlights: Known for its meticulous attention to detail, reliability, and performance, KYOSHO RC Japan is a favorite among hobbyists and competitive pilots worldwide.

Website: https://www.kyosho.com/

BLACK HORSE MODEL

Overview: Celebrated for its cutting-edge designs and premium RC aircraft kits that combine authentic scale detailing with robust construction.

Country of Origin: Vietnam

Production site(s): Vietnam

Highlights: Favored by enthusiasts seeking high performance, visually striking models.

Website: https://blackhorsemodel.com.vn/

VQ MODEL

Overview: Specializes in high performance RC aircraft kits designed for competitive flying, noted for aerodynamic efficiency and detailed craftsmanship.

Country of Origin: Vietnam

Production site(s): Vietnam

Highlights: Appeals to pilots seeking speed and realistic scale appearance.

Website: https://www.vqmodel.com/NewVQModel/index.html

SEAGULL MODELS

Overview: Recognized for precision engineered scale kits and ready-to-fly models, celebrated for authentic detailing and robust flight performance.

Country of Origin: Vietnam

Production site(s): Vietnam

Highlights: Well established among scale model enthusiasts for consistent quality.

Website: https://seagullmodels.com/

FREEWING

Overview: A well recognized name in the RC jet market, famous for its turbine-powered and EDF-powered models that deliver high performance in competitive environments.

Country of Origin: China

Production site(s): China

Highlights: Known for robust construction and impressive speed.

Website: https://www.freewing-model.com/

FMS (Flight Model Solutions)

Overview: Known for an innovative approach to RC aircraft design, incorporating modern materials and aerodynamic concepts into its kits.

Country of Origin: China

Production site(s): China

Highlights: Popular in Europe for its advanced engineering, often favored in competitive events.

Website: https://www.fmshobby.com/

PILOT RC

Overview: Offers a comprehensive range of RC aircraft kits and ready-to-fly models with an emphasis on user-friendly assembly and robust flight characteristics.

Country of Origin: China

Production site(s): China

Highlights: Balances ease of build with reliable performance for both beginners and experienced flyers.

Website: https://pilot-rc.com/

CY MODEL

Overview: Known for its versatile RC aircraft kits catering to both beginners and experienced pilots, with designs focused on balanced flight and ease of assembly.

Country of Origin: China

Production site(s): China

Highlights: Offers reliable kit options at accessible price points.

Website: http://www.cymodel.com/

HSD JETS

Overview: Specializes in high performance RC jet models, offering both ARF kits and ready-to-fly options designed for dynamic aerobatic performance.

Country of Origin: China

Production site(s): China

Highlights: Known for precision design and speed for advanced pilots.

Website: http://www.hsdrc.com/

PHOENIX MODEL

Overview: Dedicated to innovative kit designs that merge modern aerodynamic research with traditional scale modeling techniques.

Country of Origin: China

Production site(s): China

Highlights: Known for striking visual appeal and efficient flight performance.

Website: http://phoenixmodel.com/

SKYMASTER JETS

Overview: A manufacturer of high-performance RC jet models and components, recognized for advanced aerodynamic design and reliable performance in competitive environments.

Country of Origin: China

Production site(s): China

Highlights: Known for innovative design and robust construction.

Website: http://www.skymasterjets.net/

TOP RC MODEL

Overview: TOP RC MODEL is a Chinese manufacturer of RC model airplanes known for offering quality products at competitive prices. Their range features innovative designs appealing to both hobbyists and competitive pilots.

Country of Origin: China

Production site(s): China

Highlights: Known for its reliable and cost-effective RC airplane kits and models.

Website: http://www.toprcmodel.com/

SEAGULL L-4 GRASSHOPPER 90
SEAGULL L-4 GRASSHOPPER 90"
SKYMASTER F-14 TOMCAT
SKYMASTER F-14 TOMCAT