RC Jets are, to me – in an entirely different world of their own. Remote controlled cars are one thing, but jets are a convenient means to live-out my flying dreams without battling with the frenzied-panic version of myself that can barely survive an actual flight.
If you are anything like me – you can be rest assured that there is no judgment here. Thankfully, we have our RC pilot alter-egos through whom we can live vicariously. And that is the real beauty of an RC jet, that they can provide the excitement of piloting without even leaving the ground.
RC Jets Over RC Airplanes?
Well, remote control jets have the advantage of being a lot more efficient than regular remote control planes you can read my review of the top RC airplanes I did not too long ago. The jets fly more powerfully and are faster but are also slightly difficult to coordinate. So while they might work well with experienced R/C pilots, they aren’t as merciful if you are only just learning the ropes. Another alternative you should check out is the most excellent RC helicopters or if you are more into drones, you can read my recommended leading drones on the market as well.
There is a Right RC Jet For Everyone
Choosing the right RC jet might prove to be a lot more of a hassle than you envisage if you aren’t properly informed. We are confident that our list will narrow down your search and set you on the path to finding the perfect R/C jet –
But first, a few things you should look out for if you’re serious about finding that special one;
- Responsive Controls:
If you are a beginner RC jet pilot, user-friendly and responsive controls should be your bread and butter. Features such as battery and fuel tanks that are easy to access will make your remote controlled jet easy to handle, and responsive controls mean that your controls will direct the jet with minimal delay.
- Durability:
To make sure you get a good investment out of the jet, choose one a brand with a reputation for producing durable R/C jets.
- Long Flight Time:
To get the most out of your flying adventures, don’t compromise on long flight time.
- And now, for our top picks.
Tamiya Lockheed Martin F-16CJ Blk 50 1/32 Jet (Best Value)
This RC jet is a lot of things, but most impressive of all – it is inspired by an actual F-16 Fighting Falcon developed for the 1971 Lightweight fighter program. And considering that its large scale inspiration was at one point, unofficially regarded as the Viper, you can trust the Tamiya Lockheed Martin not to disappoint in being quite the powerful device, setting the precedence for other hobby RC jets – this is, by no standard a mere toy.
Product Specs
Manufacturer: Tamiya
Scale: 1:32
Weight: 2.2 Pounds
Kit Includes: Plastic Sprues, waterslide decals, and clear parts
Product Dimensions: 18.7 ×12 ×5 Inches
Overall, the design and modeling of the Tamiya Lockheed is exquisite. It’s detailing provides a gentle reminder that a few inclusions have to be seen to be appreciated. And while you might need to do some extensive coupling of its parts to piece together the genius device, the kit eventually morphs into a gorgeous piece of machinery that you will have a hard time putting down.
Pros
- There are no parts are rattling around inside. The kit is solidly packed.
- Virtually all the parts needed to complete the model are in the kit.
- Detailing is straight forward, and the engraving is spot-on.
Cons
- Some panels are slightly inaccurate. But I can assure you, that only a real crew chief is going to notice; this is certainly not a deal breaker.
F22 Fighter Jet (Top Fighter)
The Top race fighter jet offers a look and feel about it that similar models can only struggle to replicate. Despite having the appearance of a fighter jet, it provides full quadcopter functions as well as the additional ability to produce more lift than most monoplane jets can boast of. These are real as a result of its architectural advancements as a Biplane.
Product Specs
Manufacturer: Top Race
Weight: 1.4 Pounds
Kit Includes: Ready to fly Jet
Product Dimensions: 12 ×7 ×2 Inches
The culmination of all its features make a nearly indestructible machinery which is also quite flexible as well as lightweight resulting from its EPO foam – and to top things off, you will be slightly marveled at its ability to hover like a quadcopter, especially considering that it is a fighter jet.
Pros
- It is made foam elastic foam, making it incredibly durable.
- It has an impressive battery life for an RC jet of its size.
Cons
- Because of its light weight built, it doesn’t wind pressure handle quite well.
F-14 Tomcat Twin (Supreme Jet Choice)
Why is the F-14 Tomcat among the Top 5 of my favorite jets? Well, what is not to love about a jet modeled after a design that was peculiar to jets used in the cold war years?
The two seater fighter aims to provide a double capacity of virtually everything. From the power provided by the double turbine to the twin tails that provide the virtual experience of cold war air combat, there is no end to why the F-14 Tomcat will make the perfect pick for just about anyone. Not to mention, the model is made from EPO foam which makes it crash resistant and perfect for showing off without worrying about what damage you can do to the jet.
Product Specs
Manufacturer: Freewing
Weight: 147 ounces
Kit Includes: Ready to fly Jet
Product Dimensions: 10 ×15×6.1 Inches
Its other features include its realistic retractable landing gear and a wing mechanism. Combined with its LED lights and detailed scale, the F-14 is simply magic waiting to happen. A great add on to any of these military jets would be an RC submarine, you can find out my recommended list of RC submarines and learn more about them.
Pros
- Landings are a breeze.
- It glides perfectly with no.
- It can hold a Lipo easily.
- You can get about 3:25 minutes of fun per charge.
- The EPO foam texture lengthens its lifespan significantly.
Cons
- The sweep-wing control wires are too short.
Electric RC US Navy Goshawk T-25 (Top Jet Plane)
This RTR jet will prove itself to be a sweetheart for RC pilots that love high scale detailing. It may not be suitable for beginner pilots and is best handled by intermediate and senior level amateur pilots.
It comes with an impressively well powered pre-installed system that allows for easy take off and a few mid air acrobatics including loops and inverted rolls. Unfortunately, its ability to perform that such great speeds come at the small but inevitable cost of an Amp draw.
Product Specs
Manufacturer: Lanyu
Weight: 6.9 Pounds
Kit Includes: 97% assembled Jet
Product Dimensions: 33.3 ×12.3 ×8.8 Inches
Considering all the many ways it surpasses expectations, its few flaws may not necessarily be a deal breaker for any one. The large jet will certainly perform as required – no questions asked.
Pros
- Comes with an abundance of plastic bits.
- The nose cone is detachable.
- Removable parts prevents damage to the delicate component during transport and storage.
- Wing is also removable.
Cons
- Flight durations are shorter than normal.
Kyosho Mirage Jet DF44 (Great for Adults)
The most distinct feature of the Kyosho Mirage jet DF44 is the hand launch function, that is provided by one finger-hold at the bottom of each wing. But hand launching isn’t the only thing you can be confident of getting with the DF44. The appearance of its frame is a result of the extensive know-how of Kyosho’s many years of design, and so it as perfect as you can get, especially with an arf.
Product Specs
Manufacturer: Kyosho
Weight: 1.8 Pounds
Kit Includes: Unassembled parts
Product Dimensions: 24.6 ×20.5 ×3 Inches
Again, this design is best suited for experienced pilots. Mostly because its nimble nature will provide a tremendous amount of speed, likely to be welcomed by speed enthusiasts but overwhelming to beginner pilots – not to mention, it is quite difficult to engage with them.
Pros
- It is fast and agile.
- The fuselage is practically flawless.
- It’s airframe are high quality as well as its component features.
Cons
- Landing is pretty hard (lack of landing gear).
- Fan installation may prove difficult.
Tiean KT SU-27 (Finest Airplane/Jet)
Right off the bat, the SU-27 impresses by being distinct and set apart from its counterparts because of its unique design – it goes further to provide 20 -30 minutes play time and provides a pressure resistant experience provided by its powerful motor
Admittedly, the SU-27 is a product of one of the more unpopular manufacturers making it a skeptical buy for RC pilots, but what it lacks in sophistication, the jet makes up for by having a powerful brushless motor that provides long-range flights outdoors. I say it’s worth taking an inexpensive calculated risk.
Product Specs
Manufacturer: Tiean
Weight: 1.8 Pounds (approx)
Kit Includes: Ready-to-fly
Product Dimensions: 6.3 ×5.1 ×3 Inches (approx)
Pros
- Powerful brushless motor.
- Long flight time.
- Compact and pressure-resistant.
Cons
- More advanced RC jet pilots might find its features quite ordinary.
Hasegawa 1/48 F-22 Raptor USAF (Terrific For Adults)
A look at the Hasegawa F-22 Raptor will leave you impressed no doubt Hasegawa nailed everything from the weapon fit to a detailed interior design that makes the Raptor a separate entity when compared with its counterparts – it looks too much like its inspiration to be compared with them anyway.
The included advanced tech features (which betray the use of CAD technology) combine to form a highly advanced fighter jet that is an encapsulation of everything realistically imaginable.
You may also like to add a tank with to military collection, I have reviewed the champion remote control tank that anyone should consider before making a sale decision.
Product Specs
Manufacturer: Hasegawa
Weight: 1.8 Pounds
Kit Includes: unassembled parts
Product Dimensions: 3.9 ×16.6 ×10.8 Inches
Pros
- Comes with 20 parts for each of the landing gear.
- The pieces fit with precision.
- Each missile fin gets a ‘no-lift’ decal.
Cons
- RAM details are a little over done.
Tamiya Models McDonnell Douglas F-15C (Champion in Sky)
Tamiya has a fantastic reputation when it comes to quality RC builds, and the Mc Donnell Douglas simply lives up to the high standards of the expectations of most pilots. It is popular opinion that the Mcdonnell Douglas is easily the most successful RC jet regarding being an all weather fighter and a distinct maneuverability that is unpopular with other RC jets.
Product Specs
Manufacturer: Tamiya
Weight: 2.2 Pounds
Kit Includes: unassembled parts
Product Dimensions: 23.9 ×16 ×6.9 Inches
Pros
- Parts assemble quickly.
- Kit features engraved parts and detailed designs for the cock pit and a visibly seated pilot.
- Gears are metal which aids structural integrity of the plane.
Cons
- The nose cone is a little problematic.
- Its canopy doesn’t fit properly.
Volantrex R/C Goshawk T-45 (Excellent Controlls)
Volantrex RC T-45 is well known for its role exploring and helping young RC pilots. But while it is beginner friendly, it doesn’t forgo unique external features that are often associated with advanced level RC jets. It comes RTR in a great realistic scale and is lightweight as a result of its EPO construction that aids its high performance.
Product Specs
Manufacturer: Volantres
Weight: 1.2 Pounds
Kit Includes: unassembled parts
Product Dimensions: 33×11 ×8.5Inches
You won’t find a better looking assemble than the T-45. At least not that easily. With your transmitter and a little assembly, the jet morphs into the full-scale version of the famous fighter – its large scale model inspiration. If you are also into boats, have a look at my recommended list of RC boats you should know about.
Pros
- Light weight and durable.
- High-performance capabilities.
- Suitable for beginner pilots.
Cons
- Batteries are not included.
F-16C Grey Super Scale Ducted Fan Jet RC
You have to be looking at the F-16C to believe its capabilities. The F-16C delivers on incredible acrobatic moves – perhaps because it was made to function with the abilities of a typical scale-plus flier.
Between its integrated features that include a balanced EDF and electric duct fan as well as the robust connection between the control surface and the servo plate all of which comes pre-installed; the only way to accept that such awesomeness exists would be to be standing face to face with the genius piece of machinery
Product Specs
Manufacturer: Freewing
Weight: 1.2 Pounds
Kit Includes: unassembled parts
Product Dimensions: 33×11 ×8.5Inches
Pros
- The pieces are formed to fit with precision.
- Delivers great acrobatic moves throughout its flight envelope.
Cons
- Batteries are not included.
Well?
Not to be pessimistic or anything, but you’re probably going to have a hard time deciding what one jet should be the center of your attention. I say, work towards owning a fleet but between this list of options and the outline of pros and cons, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding a jet to jumpstart you into the world of an RC pilot.
