5 Best Jet Powered Remote Control Planes (2024)

Introduction

Have you ever wanted to soar through the skies and feel awesome but haven’t had a chance yet? Well, we have got you covered. A remote control plane is an excellent option for people looking for a cheap alternative to flying high. This can either become your hobby or your full time investment.

Latest update on 2022-11-28 | Images | Affiliate links from Amazon Product Advertising API

There are many types of RC planes available in the market and these all range from size, material, engine type, quality and price. But one type stands out from the rest and that is a jet powered remote control plane. This plane is a smile scale jet that is powered by a jet turbine engine. This is quite impressive considering a jet engine is such a powerful technology. There are also planes present that imitate the experience of a jet powered plane with the use of high speed propellers and engines. But first let’s dive into what this all is really about!

What are Jet Powered Planes

Jet powered planes of jet aircrafts are planes that are propelled by jet engines. These jets are great assets to the modern world of military firefight. They are used for high speed aerial combat and can counter any threat that precedes them. In order to learn about jets, you need to first learn how the powerful jet engines work harmoniously to provide that thrust that is required for their fast speeds and maneuverability.

A jet turbine consists of three major parts. These include the intake, the combustion area and the exhaust or turbine. If we look from the top of the turbine, there are two types of fuel intakes. One is for the initial startup and the other is for the general burner fuel. An electric motor starts up in front of the turbine and it reaches a specific RPM. This motor heats up a heating element located nearby. This heating element slowly heats up the starter fuel as liquid fuel doesn’t burn so a gaseous state is required in order to achieve combustion.

A spark plug fires up every second and lights up the fuel when it converts from its liquid state. When a certain temperature threshold is achieved, more fuel is injected and RPM increases as well. In this time frame, the transition from the starting fuel to the general burner fuel takes place. RPM continues to increase even more until it reaches a minimal idle threshold. The automated ECU shuts off and main control is handed over to the operator/pilot.

During this process of combustion, the air enters the intake of the turbine and goes through the compressor wheel which compresses air and redirects it to the straighter veins which straighten the airflow and allow air to enter the cavity of the turbine. Air combines with the fuel and combusts. High pressure is built up after which a burst of flame and air is released from the main turbine or back of the jet. This produces the thrust required to power a jet.

There are remote control planes which replicate a smaller form factor of this engine and try to give enthusiasts a taste of what the real power of a jet is like. But these are enthusiast level planes and are usually assembled by experienced people who take this hobby very seriously. So finding a consumer level RC jet plane is not an easy task as there are quite limited options present in the market.

There are also RC planes present which technically don’t have a jet turbine but they have a turbine or electric motor which replicates the thrust and propulsion of a small sized jet engine. These are for the general public and are easily available but they don’t skimp on performance.

Difference between Non-Jet Powered Planes

There are many aspects which are different in a jet powered plane when compared to a normal plane. A jet powered plane has jet turbine engines which produce great thrust and power which in turn deliver amazing speed and accuracy, whereas a non-jet plane is usually powered by a propeller system. This is used in smaller scaled planes and is not generally used nowadays in the commercial sector.

A non-jet plane is powered by a propeller which is linked to a drive shaft which it uses to propel itself. These may be a bit slower and might not have the same agility and movement that is promised with a jet. A jet is able to reach higher altitudes because it has the ability to compress even the thinnest of air in order to produce thrust. Whereas a propeller powered plane requires dense air in order to work and that leads it not having enough flight or speed.

Top 5 Jet Powered Remote Control Planes

E-flite UMX MiG-15

This plane comes completely factory assembled and is ready to fly right out of the box. The trim scheme is scale inspired and comes equipped with factory applied graphics. It has a powerful 13,500Kv brushless in runner ducted fan motor which delivers that great power and speed that you need. It comes with the industry leading Spektrum 2.4Ghz DSMX technology and incredible AS3X technology which delivers on the precision and stability front.

It has an optional SAFE Select flight envelope protection technology. This technology can be changed to three different levels according to experience. These are Beginner, intermediate and expert modes. These control the pitch and bank limits according to preference of the user. It has a fully engineered intake and exhaust for maximum thrust and a high output EDF system along with a 4 channel controls and landing gear.

Verdict

Overall the E-flite UMX MiG-15 is a viable option for those looking for a cheap alternative to a jet which is powered by jet turbines. Although it might not provide the same experience, this jet is highly acclaimed and is focused on giving great performance, maneuverability and speed all in a reasonable price tag.

RC Jet 4 Channel

This is an f22 fighter jet replica and has a 4 channel control. It has a 6 axis gyro and a high output motor for increased thrust. It comes with a one key aerobatics feature along with sturdy wheels for perfect landings. It has a 360mah battery and has a 14 minute flight duration period and a distance of 300 feet. These are designed for adults and give an exciting flying experience.

Verdict

All in all the RC Jet 4 Channel is another great option if you are in the market for an RC plane. This may not be as detailed as one would prefer but still provides great speed and performance along with its great agility. It is also quite inexpensive so this can be a great option for those on a budget.

This is a large form factor plane and has a powerful 1550KV brushless motor to give that amazing thrust and speed. It weighs around 4000g and is built out of high grade materials for maximum durability. It comes with a 4 channel control system along with landing gears and lights to easily land and navigate the plane. The plane has great airtime and can fly at high altitudes as well. This replicates a fighter jet and can be aesthetically altered with the option of attached missiles.

Verdict

The is one of the few jets that are present that are truly enthusiast grade. It provides you with a great experience with its exceptional engine and speed as it produces great levels of propulsion. This can also reach quite high altitudes that are not possible with most other options. It is highly responsive and quick. This is a great option for those who are willing to ignore a hefty price tag.

E-flite EFL11460 Opterra

This is a compact sport RC plane which is capable of soaring, aerobatics and more. It comes with plug in wings and has a tool free design and allows for portability. Has a high power 35 and 45 compatible power system with folding prop. This includes a FPV camera and video transmitter and connects to a 6+ channel transmitter.

Verdict

The E-flite EFL11460 Opterra is a great option for those looking for a compact plane that will provide them with a fun experience. It also adds to the usability with its camera and video transmitter which can be used for aerial shots and cinematography.

Landbow Remote Control Airplane

This is a 2.4 GHz and 3 channels RTF plane which is made for beginners. It has a EPP foam shell for protection against crashing and elements and is equipped with a 6 Axis Gyro in ESC. It can take off in two ways, you can either throw it by hand or it can slide off.

Verdict

Overall the Landbow Remote Control Airplane is quite a viable option for someone who just wants to fly for fun and isn’t looking to spend a lot of money for that experience.

What to Look for When Choosing Jet Powered Remote Control Planes

Price

When you are in the market for a RC plane be sure to look into what you require and what is your budget. If money is not an object then you might go for a RC plane with a jet turbine. These are very costly and are recommended for enthusiasts as they require regular maintenance and care and are a safety hazard to the inexperienced.

But if you are financially constrained or just don’t want to invest such a large chunk of money then look into the smaller form factor planes, these replicate the jet technology at a much lower price and are perfect if you just want to fly your plane for fun. Just be sure to get the bang for your buck and not get hustled for your hard earned money.

Quality

There are many planes present in the market that range in price. This variation in price also means a variation in the overall quality of the RC plane. You might want to look into what things you are willing to let go for a cheaper price tag.

Be sure that you should purchase a plane that can last you a while. A plane might be subjective to crashes, getting stuck on trees, bad landings and extreme weather conditions (which is not a recommended flying environment. You need a plane that can at least withstand these drastic measures or else you would just be wasting your hard earned money and effort.

Fuel Type

If you have picked a jet turbine powered RC plane then you might want to look into what type of fuel the jet intakes. There are three main types that are used in a RC jet. These are Diesel, Jet A and Kerosene. These main types of fuel all have different effects on the speeds, combustion rate and overall life of your jet engine. Be sure to fully research what type of fuel you require for your jet because putting in the wrong fuel can greatly damage the efficiency, integrity and build of your engine.

Flying limit

Whether you are using a RC jet that is powered by a jet engine or a propeller type imitating engine, you need to factor in what you want out of the plane you are about to purchase. Keep in mind that a propeller plane that is imitating a jet can only reach a certain altitude before stalling, whereas a jet engine RC plane is able to reach astonishing heights. This is because the jet engine is able to compress even the thinnest air in order to propel the plane. This however does come at a price and that is an expensive price tag.

Enthusiast or not

When you are looking for a plane, you are either a full time RC plane enthusiast and are looking for your next big purchase that will give you the edge over the rest, or you are just an average consumer that might think that this is a cool hobby that you could get into and would have fun while doing it. There are planes made for every type of person.

The enthusiast level planes are usually equipped with a heavy duty propeller engine or a small scale jet turbine; whereas a plane that is much better suited to the average person is usually equipped with a propeller or a jet imitating engine. When buying the perfect RC plane for yourself, you need to consider how much time and effort you are willing to put in. be sure to get a plane that better adjusts to your needs and requirements.

Recommendation

All the RC planes that are mentioned provide great value to money and give an amazing experience to the user. But all these are according to the needs and wants of a person. Some might not prefer a small scale jet engine RC plane while some might not prefer a slower imitating RC jet. But still, we think that the best option out of all these is the .

This is because this plane provides an amazing experience with its jet engine. It does however have a hefty price tag but it comes in front in the power and speed front. This will have unmatched limits and is a great looking plane as well. This would provide an enthusiast or an average consumer with great satisfaction.

Final Words

If you think that you are satisfied with our list and want to proceed with our recommendation then by all means go for it. But if you think that you might prefer another model or the suggested RC plane is not according to your criteria then be sure to research and get the perfect one for yourself. Hopefully our top 5 list has helped narrow down your decision.

All the planes that are mentioned in our list are great options but be aware that there might be better options out there which might be much better suited for you.