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Few RC airplanes look as good on a flight line as a WW2 fighter, and few are as unforgiving of a pilot who is not ready for one. This guide sorts the current warbird market by size and skill, from palm-sized micros to two-meter foam and giant wood ARFs. It is based on manufacturer specifications, product manuals and maker stores, not on our own flying. Prices are left out because they change often, and stock was checked in October 2026, a detail that matters here because several well-known warbirds have changed status.
For the history and a category-by-category tour of the subject, the RC warbird guide covers the wider field.
Quick picks
| Need | Pick | Format | Stock when checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pocket-size first warbird | Rage RC P-51D Miss America Micro | RTF | Available |
| Micro with spare battery | VolantexRC P-51D 761-5 | RTF | Available |
| Brushless step-up | Rage RC 500 mm P-51D, F4U Corsair or Spitfire | RTF | Available |
| First "full-house" warbird | E-flite T-28 Trojan 1.2m with Smart | BNF | In stock |
| 1.2m Mustang | E-flite P-51D Mustang 1.2m | BNF | In stock |
| 1.2m Corsair | E-flite F4U-4 Corsair 1.2m | BNF or PNP | In stock |
| Big foam trainer-warbird | E-flite Carbon-Z T-28 2.0m | BNF | In stock |
| Large Texan | E-flite SNJ-5/AT-6 Texan 1.5m | BNF | In stock |
| Large Mustang | E-flite P-51D Mustang 1.5m Big Beautiful Doll | BNF or PNP | Preorder |
| Wood, glow or electric | Hangar 9 P-51D 20cc ARF, Phoenix Model Spitfire and Corsair ARFs | ARF | In stock |
Are warbirds right for you?
A warbird is a fast, heavy, low-wing airplane, and the numbers show it. Dynam prints wing loading for its foam warbirds, and the figures run from 40.5 g/dm2 for the 1,200 mm Spitfire V3 to 50.1 for its Corsair V3 and 55 for its P-47D V2. The Phoenix Model Spitfire ARF lists 28.18 oz/sq ft (86 g/dm2), and the Hangar 9 P-51D 60cc ARF lists 40.6 to 43.8 oz/sq ft, which works out to roughly 124 to 134 g/dm2 (a conversion of about 3.05 g/dm2 per oz/sq ft). More weight on less wing means a higher stall speed, so these airplanes need a committed approach.
The makers are not shy about it. E-flite lists skill level 3 for its 1.2m warbirds, and the Dynam warbirds checked for this guide are all listed as Intermediate. Three habits are worth building before the first one:
- Tail-dragger handling. Most WW2 fighters sit on a tail wheel, which asks for deliberate rudder on takeoff and landing.
- Speed and approach discipline. Higher wing loading calls for a planned approach, not a drift-in.
- Throttle management. E-flite's manuals describe SAFE Select as pitching up at full throttle and descending at low throttle, so smooth throttle work is part of flying one.
The micro tier is the exception. A 62-gram EPP micro is light enough to learn the habits on, which is why the picks below start there. If a first airplane is still on the shopping list, the trainer guide and the beginner picks come first, and the HobbyZone Sport Cub S 2 write-up covers a small, forgiving first plane.
RTF, BNF, PNP and ARF: what the box leaves out
- RTF includes the transmitter, battery and charger. The Rage RC and Volantex micros are RTF.
- BNF includes a receiver and electronics, and the pilot supplies the transmitter, battery and charger. E-flite's BNF Basic listings name a Spektrum DSMX/DSM2 compatible transmitter, for example "full-range 6-7+ channel" for the P-51D 1.2m. Check the listing before buying a radio.
- PNP includes motor, ESC and servos but no receiver, which suits pilots with another radio brand. The transmitter guide covers the choices.
- ARF is a built, covered airframe. The pilot supplies everything else. See the ARF, RTF and PNP guide.
Batteries matter too. Maker specs run from 1S 400 mAh packs in micros to 6S in the large foam models, and the LiPo guide explains connectors, storage and charging.
Stabilization: PASS, Xpilot, SAFE and AS3X
Every brand wraps a gyro in a different name, and none of them lands the airplane for the pilot.
- PASS (Rage RC). Full, Partial and Expert modes. The maker says that in Full or Partial Assist, releasing the sticks returns the airplane to level flight, and a switch can bring assistance back even in Expert mode.
- Xpilot (VolantexRC). A 6-axis gyro with Beginner (full assist), Intermediate (partial) and Expert (manual) levels.
- SAFE (HobbyZone). The 450 mm P-51D uses SAFE, and Horizon lists it at skill level 1.
- AS3X and SAFE Select (E-flite). AS3X gives direct stick response while smoothing disturbances. SAFE Select adds bank and pitch limits and automatic self-leveling. Per the P-51D 1.2m manual, in SAFE Select the airplane levels when the sticks are neutral, stick deflection sets the attitude up to preset limits, full throttle pitches the nose up to climb, mid throttle keeps it level and low throttle descends slightly. The manual also says to trim for level flight at 80 to 100% throttle on the first flight and then leave the sticks alone for 3 seconds.
The flight controller guide goes deeper on what gyros do.
The micro tier: 400 to 500 mm
These airplanes are cheap to crash and light enough to fly in a park on a calm day. All are EPP foam, which the makers describe as durable.
Rage RC P-51D Miss America Micro RTF. 400 mm (15.75 in) span, 62 g with battery, EPP, PASS stabilization, a Stunt button for loops and rolls, a detachable prop system and removable snap-in landing gear. Two 1S 400 mAh batteries are included, and the maker quotes up to 15 minutes per battery. Only AA batteries for the transmitter need to be added.
VolantexRC P-51D Mustang 761-5 RTF. Also 400 mm and EPP, with an Xpilot gyro, one-key aerobatics, a prop saver and two 400 mAh batteries in the box. Volantex quotes up to 14 to 20 minutes of flight time, which is a maker claim. A 500 mm brushless P-51 with FLEEX foam and carbon sticks sits above it in the same line, and Volantex also sells Corsair, Spitfire, Bf-109, P-40, Zero and T-28 versions. The Volantex guide covers the brand.
HobbyZone P-51D Mustang 450mm RTF. EPP, SAFE, 17.7 in (450 mm) span, 77.5 g with battery, 1S, with battery and charger included and a "pop off" prop saver. It was on backorder at Horizon in October 2026.
Rage RC 500 mm brushless: P-51D, F4U Corsair and RAF Spitfire. 19.7 in (500 mm) span, about 95 g with the included 2S battery, 2300Kv (P-51D) or 1900Kv (Corsair) brushless outrunners, PASS, removable landing gear with doors, a steerable tail wheel and up to 15 minutes of flight per the maker. A 3S 400 mAh pack is offered as an upgrade. This is the brushless step between the 400 mm micros and a 1.2m E-flite, with RTF or ready-for-your-transmitter versions.
On the E-flite side, the UMX P-51D "Detroit Miss" (493 mm, 92 g without battery, skill level 3) was on backorder and the UMX Voodoo is discontinued. A 625 mm micro P-47 was a preorder.
1.2m foam: the full-house tier
Retracts, flaps, a 70 A Smart ESC and AS3X come standard on the E-flite 1.2m models, and Horizon lists them at skill level 3.
E-flite T-28 Trojan 1.2m BNF Basic with Smart. 48.2 in (1,224 mm) span, 3.2 lb (1.47 kg) without a battery, 3S or 4S, flaps and retracts, with SAFE Select. Horizon calls it the "smart next step after a trainer" and a "first full-house warbird choice", which is a maker claim but also a fair reading: the T-28 is a trainer-origin design with a stable character. In stock when checked; the PNP version was on backorder.
E-flite P-51D Mustang 1.2m BNF Basic. The "Cripes A'Mighty 3rd" version has a 47.99 in (1,219 mm) span, 47.9 oz (1,358 g) without a battery, a BL15 850Kv motor, a 10.5 x 8 four-blade prop and a 70 A Avian Smart Lite ESC. It runs on 3S or 4S, 2200 to 3200 mAh, includes retracts, flaps and six servos, and assembles in under an hour without glue. Horizon describes it as "the easiest-to-fly full-house Mustang model yet". The earlier 1.2m versions are discontinued and the PNP was on backorder, so the BNF Basic is the one to look for.
E-flite F4U-4 Corsair 1.2m. 48.03 in (1,220 mm) span, 52 oz (1,475 g) without a battery, 3S or 4S, retracts, flaps and skill level 3, with decal sheets for Marines, Navy and other markings. Both the BNF Basic and PNP were in stock. The P-47 Razorback 1.2m (skill level 3) was on backorder in both versions.
Dynam alternatives. Dynam sells direct, and its store listed warbirds in stock when checked, including a Hurricane V3 (1,250 mm), an AT-6 Texan V3 (1,400 mm) and a B-26 Marauder twin. Dynam's own specs, such as the Spitfire V3's 1,200 mm span, 1,150 g weight and 3S 2200 mAh battery requirement, are printed on its product pages. The twin-engine guide covers the B-26 and its relatives.
Large foam: 1.5m and 2.0m
E-flite Carbon-Z T-28 Trojan 2.0m BNF Basic. 77.95 in (1,980 mm) span, 166.8 oz (4,729 g), 6S, a 60BL 500Kv motor and a 14.75 x 10 prop, with flaps, retracts, LED lights and SAFE Select. Horizon says it is "one of the largest foam warbird models to ever hit the market" and a "perfect first giant scale warbird". The BNF Basic was in stock; the PNP was out of stock.
E-flite SNJ-5/AT-6 Texan 1.5m BNF Basic. 57.08 in (1,450 mm) span, 60 oz (1,700 g) without a battery and 73.6 oz (2,085 g) with a 4S 3200 mAh pack, 3S or 4S, flaps and retracts, AS3X+ and SAFE Select. The airframe wears the SNJ-5 "101" scheme flown by a Commemorative Air Force unit. In stock when checked, with the PNP on backorder.
E-flite P-51D Mustang 1.5m Big Beautiful Doll. 59.05 in (1,500 mm) span, 96 oz (2,721 g), 6S, a 4258-460Kv motor, a 100 A Avian Smart ESC, retracts, flaps and nav lights. Horizon highlights molded-in panel lines and hatches, guns and removable drop tanks. It was a preorder in October 2026, and the earlier 1.5m versions are discontinued.
Wood warbirds for glow, gas or electric
If the airframe should be built from balsa and plywood, the choices are ARFs that take more than one power system. The giant-scale guide covers the largest, and the gas vs electric guide covers the choice.
- Hangar 9 P-51D Mustang 20cc ARF. 69.5 in (1,765 mm), 11.5 to 13 lb, built from "lightweight balsa and plywood", with 20 to 21cc gas or glow, or electric on 6S 5000 to 7000 mAh. Horizon lists about 20 hours of assembly and skill level 4. In stock.
- Hangar 9 P-51D Mustang 60cc ARF. 89 in span, 1,420 sq in of wing area, 40.6 to 43.8 oz/sq ft, "full balsa-sheeting", UltraCote covering and a three-piece wing, 20+ hours of assembly. In stock.
- Phoenix Model ARFs. The 55 in Spitfire (glow or electric, retractable gear, "ready to fly in several hours") and the 58.5 in F4U Corsair were both in stock, along with a 70.9 in Corsair for 1.20 cu in glow, 20cc gas or electric and a P-40 Warhawk for 30 to 35cc gas or electric.
The foam vs balsa comparison explains the build-time trade-off. Retracts add their own work, and the landing gear guide covers them.
Models that have gone
Several names from older lists are no longer sold at Horizon: the E-flite Spitfire Mk XIV 1.2m, the Fw 190A 1.5m, the earlier P-51D 1.5m, and the UMX Voodoo. Horizon also lists nearly every FMS warbird as discontinued, including the 800 mm Corsair, 1100 mm P-51D and 1400 mm P-40B. That may reflect Horizon's own range, and the maker's site blocked our checks, so look at the FMS range directly before ruling it out. The FMS brand guide covers the lineup.
Spec comparison
| Model | Span | Weight | Power | Format | Skill (maker) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rage RC P-51D Micro | 400 mm | 62 g with battery | 1S | RTF | Not stated |
| Rage RC P-51D 500 mm | 500 mm | 95 g with battery | 2300Kv brushless, 2S | RTF | Not stated |
| HobbyZone P-51D 450 mm | 450 mm | 77.5 g with battery | 1S | RTF | Level 1 |
| E-flite T-28 1.2m | 1,224 mm | 1.47 kg without battery | 3S or 4S | BNF | Level 3 |
| E-flite P-51D 1.2m | 1,219 mm | 1,358 g without battery | 3S or 4S | BNF | Level 3 |
| E-flite F4U-4 1.2m | 1,220 mm | 1,475 g without battery | 3S or 4S | BNF, PNP | Level 3 |
| E-flite AT-6 Texan 1.5m | 1,450 mm | 1,700 g without battery | 3S or 4S | BNF | Level 3 |
| E-flite P-51D 1.5m | 1,500 mm | 2,721 g | 6S | BNF, PNP | Level 3 to 4 |
| E-flite Carbon-Z T-28 2.0m | 1,980 mm | 4,729 g | 6S | BNF | Level 3 |
| Hangar 9 P-51D 20cc ARF | 1,765 mm | 5,200 to 5,900 g | 20cc gas, glow or 6S | ARF | Level 4 |
Which one to buy
A newcomer who wants the look. A 400 mm micro, Rage RC or Volantex. Fly it on calm days and treat it as practice for warbird habits.
A pilot with a few dozen flights on a trainer. The Rage RC 500 mm brushless or the E-flite T-28 1.2m, which Horizon itself calls the smart next step after a trainer.
A pilot who wants the classic fighters. The E-flite P-51D or F4U-4 at 1.2m, with SAFE Select on for the first flights.
A pilot who wants presence. The Carbon-Z T-28 2.0m or the AT-6 Texan 1.5m.
A builder. A Hangar 9 or Phoenix wood ARF, with the power system chosen to taste.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can a beginner fly a warbird?
A micro, yes. The 400 mm EPP models are light and stabilized, and their makers aim them at beginners. A 1.2m warbird is a different matter: E-flite rates its 1.2m models skill level 3, and the higher wing loading shown in maker specs means a faster stall and a more committed approach.
Q: Do E-flite BNF warbirds need a Spektrum radio?
The listings name a Spektrum DSMX/DSM2 compatible transmitter, with 6 or more channels for the full-house models. Check the "minimum required radio" line of the exact listing, or choose a PNP and add a receiver for another brand.
Q: What does SAFE Select do on a warbird?
It adds bank and pitch limits and self-leveling. Per the E-flite manual, the airplane levels when the sticks are neutral, and throttle sets climb or descent. It can be switched off in flight, after returning the sticks to neutral.
Q: Are FMS warbirds still available?
Horizon lists nearly all of them as discontinued, with a couple on backorder. The maker's own site could not be checked, so look there first before buying elsewhere.
