Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
RC jets are two hobbies under one name. Electric ducted-fan (EDF) models run on LiPo packs and fly at any field that allows electric power. Turbine models burn kerosene, and the AMA ties them to a waiver program. This guide sorts the current market by fan size and skill level. It is based on manufacturer specifications, product manuals and AMA documents, not on our own flying. Prices are left out because they change often, and stock was checked in October 2026.
If a first plane is still on the list, the trainer guide and the beginner flying guide come before anything here, and the EDF jet guide covers how ducted fans work.
EDF or turbine?
An EDF jet spins a ducted fan with an electric motor. It needs no fuel system and runs on the same LiPo packs as other electric planes. The LiPo guide covers the 6S packs most of the larger models use.
A turbine jet burns kerosene, diesel or propane. AMA document 510-A, approved in October 2024, says any operation of a turbine fixed-wing aircraft requires an AMA turbine waiver. The same document sets a 200 mph velocity limit, a 50 lb combined static thrust limit, a 55 lb weight limit, two fuel shut-off provisions (one manual, one remote), fail-safe shutdown within 2 seconds, a fire extinguisher at every engine start and no flying after dark. For anyone with a few dozen hours on a trainer, turbines are background reading.
What jets ask of a pilot
Horizon's own manuals set the tone. The Habu STS manual warns that "even though SAFE technology is a very helpful tool, the aircraft still needs to be flown manually. If incorrect input is given at lower altitudes or at slower speeds, the aircraft can crash." It adds that the airplane "can reach significant speeds" and recommends a flying site with at least 1,300 feet (400 m) of clear space in all directions.
Flights are short. Horizon lists an approximate flight time of 3.5 to 4 minutes for the A-10 Twin 64mm, and the Habu STS manual suggests a flight timer of 4 to 6 minutes on a 3000 mAh 3S pack or 8 to 10 minutes on a 4000 mAh pack. Plan on several packs. Before the first flight, set sensible rates with the dual rates and expo guide, and note that E-flite BNF jets name a Spektrum DSMX/DSM2 compatible transmitter, so the transmitter guide is worth a look first. Gyro stabilization, from AS3X to a separate controller, is covered in the flight controller guide.
Quick picks
| Fan | Model | Skill level (maker) | Format | Stock when checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 mm | E-flite Habu STS | 1 | RTF Basic | In stock |
| 50 mm | E-flite Habu SS 50mm | 2 | BNF Basic | In stock |
| 70 mm | E-flite Habu SS 70mm | 2 | BNF Basic | In stock |
| 64 mm | E-flite Viper 64mm | 3 (BNF), 4 (PNP) | BNF, PNP | In stock |
| 70 mm | E-flite Viper 70mm | 3 | BNF Basic | In stock |
| 2 x 64 mm | E-flite A-10 Thunderbolt II Twin 64mm | 3 | BNF Basic | In stock |
| 80 mm | E-flite Habu XS 80mm | 3 | BNF Basic | In stock |
| 90 mm | E-flite Viper 90mm | 3 (BNF), 4 (ARF Plus) | BNF, ARF Plus | In stock |
| 80 mm | Freewing Avanti S V2 | Advanced (listing) | PNP, ARF Plus | Freewing listing |
| 2 x 80 mm | Freewing A-10 V2 | Not stated | PNP | Freewing listing |
| 90 mm | Freewing F-16C V2 | Not stated | PNP | In stock per Freewing |
E-flite EDF jets
E-flite Habu STS 70mm RTF Basic. The only jet on this list that Horizon rates at skill level 1. It has a 40.51 in (1,029 mm) EPO airframe, a 70mm fan, a 2847-3200Kv motor, a weight of 46.4 oz (1,316 g) without battery, and takes a 3S or 4S 3200 to 4000 mAh pack. A transmitter is included, with AS3X and SAFE. The manual says to start in Beginner mode and gives a Panic Recovery button, with the caution that it will not avoid obstacles. Assembly takes under an hour. It is still a jet: the manual recommends help from a qualified flight instructor for first flights. The RTF Basic was in stock, and the PNP was on backorder.
E-flite Habu SS 70mm BNF Basic. The next step on the same platform: skill level 2, a 1.11 kg (2.45 lb) airframe without battery, 4S to 6S 3200 to 4000 mAh, AS3X and SAFE Select, and a 4-5+ channel Spektrum-compatible transmitter. In stock. The smaller Habu SS 50mm (27.56 in span, 504 g without battery, 3S or 4S 1300 to 2200 mAh, 30 A ESC) is also skill level 2 and in stock.
E-flite Viper 64mm and Viper 70mm. The 64mm (42.2 in span, 910 g, 4S, flaps, LED nav and landing lights) is skill level 3 as BNF and 4 as PNP. The 70mm (43.31 in span, 6S 3200 mAh, 1,856 g with battery, retracts and flaps) is skill level 3. Horizon's Viper 70mm manual suggests a first-flight timer of 3 to 3 minutes 40 seconds. Both were in stock.
E-flite A-10 Thunderbolt II Twin 64mm. A twin-fan warbird jet with a 45.24 in (1,149 mm) span, two 2840-2200Kv motors, retracts, flaps and 6S 3200 to 4000 mAh. Horizon quotes 3.5 to 4 minutes of flight time and lists it at skill level 3. In stock.
E-flite Habu XS 80mm. An 80mm sport jet with a 43.8 in (1,113 mm) span, a 3665-2170Kv inrunner, 6S 5000 mAh Smart G2 recommended, retracts, flaps and AS3X+ with SAFE Select. Skill level 3, 1,972 g without battery. The BNF Basic was in stock and the PNP on backorder.
E-flite Viper 90mm. The biggest of the line: 55.12 in (1,400 mm) span, 2,522 g without battery, 6S, retracts and flaps. Skill level 3 as BNF and 4 as ARF Plus (1 to 3 hours of assembly, radio and receiver sold separately). Both were in stock.
Small jets. For pocket-size fun, Horizon lists the UMX Viper 30mm (531 mm span, 125 g, 4S), UMX F-86 Sabre 30mm, UMX Me 262 twin and the Micro B-2 at skill level 3, and the F-14 Tomcat and SR-71 40mm twins at skill level 4. All were in stock.
Third-party EDF jets
Freewing sells direct, and its pages list full specifications. Treat them as the maker's own listings, and note that some contradict themselves, so confirm the power system on the page before ordering.
- Freewing Avanti S V2 80mm. 1236 mm (48.7 in) span, 1300 mm length, about 2800 g flying weight, an 80mm 12-blade fan, a 3658-2150Kv inrunner, a 100 A thrust-reversing ESC and 6S 4000 to 6000 mAh. Electric retracts with trailing-link struts are meant for grass use.
- Freewing A-10 Thunderbolt II V2 twin 80mm. 1700 mm (66.9 in) span, 4.74 kg without batteries, two 3658-2150Kv inrunners with two 100 A ESCs, and two 6S 5000 to 6000 mAh packs. Quick-release wings and metal shock-absorbing struts.
- Freewing F-86 Sabre V2 80mm. 1200 mm span, about 2300 g, an 80mm 12-blade metal-housing fan, 6S 4000 to 5000 mAh, about 2 hours to build.
- Freewing F-16C V2 90mm. Freewing lists a 955 mm (37.6 in) wingspan and 1457 mm (57.4 in) length, a 90mm 12-blade fan, a 3668-1980Kv inrunner, a 120 A ESC with thrust reversing, a 6S 5000 mAh pack, and servo-driven air brakes, with a weight of 3.17 kg without battery. Older descriptions of this jet quote a much wider span, so check the listing.
FMS jets, such as the Yak-130 V2, F-18F, Rafale and Avanti 90mm, were on backorder at Horizon, and the FMS site blocked our checks, so look at the maker's own range before ruling them out.
Turbine jets
Turbine models are giant-scale airplanes, and the ARFs in stock show how big the jump is.
| Model | Span | Weight | Engine | Assembly | Skill (maker) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hangar 9 Viper 100N Turbine Jet ARF | 82.6 in (2,098 mm) | 30.8 to 32.6 lb | 100N turbine | 20+ hours | 4 |
| Hangar 9 Aermacchi MB-339 60-86N ARF | 84 in (2,134 mm) | 23 lb | 60 to 86N turbine | 20+ hours | 5 |
| Hangar 9 Hawk/T-45 140-160N ARF | 97 in (2,464 mm) | 39.4 lb empty | 140 to 160N turbine | 60+ hours | 5 |
All three were in stock at Horizon. The Hangar 9 Viper 100N is the friendliest, with a balsa and plywood airframe reinforced with carbon fiber; Horizon describes it as stable even for a first giant-scale turbine jet. The MB-339 is described as a good way for experienced pilots to move into turbine models, and the Hawk is a long build with a 5.5 litre tank. Engines are sold separately. JetCat's current RX-BL series covers 100 N, 130 N and 150 N, and its older P20-SX, P80-SE and P180-NX are on its discontinued list. The turbine engine guide goes through the engines and the AMA program.
Habits that come straight from the manuals
Three routines from Horizon's manuals are worth adopting on any EDF jet.
- Range check before each session. The Habu STS manual has the model held firmly while the pilot stands about 30 paces away and moves every control, and it warns never to fly while the transmitter is in range check mode, because output power is reduced. The same manual notes that a model sitting close to the ground can hurt a range check and suggests restraining it up to 2 ft (60 cm) above the ground.
- A flight timer, set low at first. The Habu STS manual calls for a 5 minute timer on early flights, and the Viper 70mm manual lists 3 minutes for first flights, then adjusting once the flying is understood.
- Respect the low-voltage cutoff. The Viper manual explains that a LiPo discharged below 3 V per cell will not hold a charge, that the ESC reduces motor power to leave enough for the receiver and servos to land, and that repeated flying to the cutoff damages the battery. When power drops, land immediately.
What the AMA turbine rules add
AMA 510-A goes beyond the waiver. Pilots under 14 need a spotter who holds a waiver and is at least 18. An AMA member may fly a turbine model on the student side of a buddy box if an experienced turbine pilot holds the primary transmitter, and an experienced pilot is defined as one with 20 or more turbine flights in the preceding 24 months and a current waiver. Experienced pilots may conduct qualification flights and supervise the first five solo turbine flights. Turbine models are not allowed in speed or racing events, and waiver qualification flights, maiden flights and test flights after major repair may not be performed during an event. These details explain why turbine jets are a club activity more than a solo one.
Which jet to choose
A newcomer who wants to start on a jet. The Habu STS, the only skill level 1 jet here, with an instructor.
A pilot with a few seasons of low-wing prop flying. The Habu SS 70mm, the Viper 64mm or the A-10 Twin 64mm.
A pilot ready for retracts and 6S. The Viper 70mm or the Habu XS 80mm.
A pilot who wants maximum size in foam. The Viper 90mm, or a Freewing 80mm or 90mm jet on its own listing.
A pilot ready for turbines. An AMA turbine waiver comes first, then a Hangar 9 ARF.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can a beginner fly an RC jet?
The Habu STS is rated skill level 1 by Horizon and includes SAFE and Panic Recovery, but its manual still recommends a qualified instructor. Every other jet here is rated 2 or above.
Q: Why are EDF flights so short?
Ducted fans draw heavy current. Horizon quotes 3.5 to 4 minutes for the A-10 Twin 64mm, and its Habu STS manual suggests timers from 4 to 10 minutes depending on pack size. Buying several packs is part of the plan.
Q: Is a special radio needed?
E-flite BNF jets name a Spektrum DSMX/DSM2 compatible transmitter, with 4 to 8 channels depending on the model. PNP jets let you use another brand once you add a receiver.
Q: What does a turbine require?
An AMA turbine waiver for the category, a model that meets AMA 510-A, and fire equipment on the flight line. Turbine models also need an engine bought separately and a long build.
