Fastest RC Planes: The Ultimate Speed Demons in the Sky

RC Visions
Image of a remote-controlled airplane flying along a field.

Are you fascinated with RC airplanes? Who isn’t? Everyone, from kids to grownups, gets excited watching one soar in the skies. But nothing can beat the thrill of having the controls in your hands. Piloting one of these miniatures requires a strong mix of skill, precision, and a pure love for speed. Yes, these flying beasts are fast, and with advancing technology, they’re only getting faster.

So, if you’re ready to take your piloting game to a whole new level, then this article is for you. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the fastest RC planes available for purchase. By the end, you’ll be able to decide which one suits your needs and budget. 

Types of Fast Planes

We get it – you're excited and probably ready to jump straight into buying the fastest plane you can find. But before you do, it’s important to understand the basics of these speed machines, including what makes each type unique.

So, let’s first take a look at some of the popular types of RC planes that are designed for high speeds:

Plane

Standout Feature

EDF (Electric Ducted Fan) Jets

Uses electric ducted fan units for added thrust and speed.

Pylon Racers

Streamlined bodies and powerful motors.

High-Speed Prop Planes

Lightweight frames with high-power propellers.

Warbirds

Classic looks with modified high-speed motors.

RC Sport Planes

Aerodynamically optimized bodies.

Tips for Choosing a Fast RC Plane

Here are a few more pointers to keep in mind:

  • Intended Use: Not all RC planes are built for the same purpose. So, before making a choice, it's really important to have a clear picture of how you plan on flying it. Your flying style will directly influence which model suits you best. Are you looking for something that can race? Or maybe you want to perform stunts. Identify that goal first.

  • Skill Level: Flying a remote-controlled plane is not as simple as it seems. You need a good understanding of how it reacts to the controller. Then there's wind speed, too, which can affect stability and maneuverability. So, if you’re new to the game, it's better to look for planes with inbuilt flight stabilization technologies like SAFE (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope). What this does is keep the plane steady and correct for minor control errors as well. But if you’re experienced, look for more advanced features.

  • Environment: Another big decision is where you plan to fly. If you’ve got a large field nearby or an open ground, then congratulations! Spaces like these are perfect for fast and larger models. It gives them ample room to stretch their wings and a long runway for takeoff. However, if you’re limited to tighter spots like parks or playgrounds, you might want to rethink and go for a slower one instead.

  • Budget: Last but not least is your budget. This plays a key role in your selection process. Radio-controlled planes do not come cheap. And the initial cost is not everything. Over time, you’ll need to shell a bit more out on accessories like batteries, spare parts and maintenance. So, it's wise to pick a model that is both affordable and offers fairly priced spare parts. 

    • Top 4 Fastest RC Planes

    Now that you know what to look for, you’re in a better position to choose. Here are the top 4 speedsters in the world of RC planes:

    1. E-flite F-16 Thunderbird - EDF Jet

    Image of E-flite F-16 Thunderbird RC plane
    First up on our list is the 80mm E-flite F-16 Thunderbird EDF jet. This RC plane ticks all the boxes if you’re on the hunt for speed, as well as a realistic-looking model. Inspired by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aircraft, this jet is a stunner in the skies. Its bright red, white and blue trim pairs perfectly with the factory-applied stars. But here's the banger: It comes with a V2 12-blade 80mm fan, coupled with a 2100Kv brushless in runner motor and 100-amp electronic speed controller (ESC). Now, what that does is give this bad boy the ability to reach jaw-dropping speeds. 

    Key Features:

    • Price Range: $500 - $600
    • Power System: 2100Kv brushless inrunner motor with 100-amp Smart ESC.
    • Battery Compatibility: 6S LiPo batteries (4000-7000mAh) for extended flight times.
    • Control and Stability: AS3X and SAFE Select technologies for smoother handling at high speeds.


    Click here to learn more or purchase.

    2. E-flite Viper - EDF Jet

    Image of E-flite Viper 90mm RC plane
    Here’s another cool-looking realistic plane — the E-flite Viper 90 mm EDF jet. This one is a scaled-up version of the popular 70 mm. But what makes this beast different from its predecessor is its smoother handling and superior performance. Thus making it a fantastic purchase for newbies as well as skilled RC pilots. The Viper is equipped with a 12-blade 90mm fan and powered by a heavy-duty 3670-1950Kv brushless inrunner motor, allowing it to glide at high speeds. It features a 130-amp electronic speed controller (ESC), making it one of the fastest RC planes in its segment. 

    Key Features:

    • Price Range: $600 - $700
    • Battery Compatibility: Fits a wide range of 6S batteries (4000-7000mAh) for extended flight times and class-leading performance.
    • Functional Extras: Includes LED navigation lights, landing lights, and electric retracts with shock-absorbing struts for grass and field operations.

    Click here to learn more or purchase.

    3. FMS Futura V2 - Sports Jet

    Image of the FMS Futura V2 RC jet in flight
    Moving on to the FMS Futura V2 80mm EDF PNP. This foam sports jet houses an upgraded 3280-KV2100 motor that’s built to withstand rough use. It also comes factory-installed with a Hobbywing 100A ESC, which provides it with a ton of power while taking off. The Futura V2 is stunning both in flight and on land. We mean it! Thanks to its CNC all-metal trailing-link landing gear and huge tires, this aircraft can still provide maximum power even on less-than-ideal runways. Maneuvering this RC plane is a piece of cake, too. It is equipped with 13g all-metal servos, which makes it easier to control on steep climbs, descents as well as sharp turns.

    Key Features:

    • Price Range: $300 - $400
    • Quick Assembly: With a glue-free build requiring only 10 screws, you can have this jet ready to fly in just minutes.
    • Battery Compatibility: Designed to fit a 22.2V 4000mAh 35C LiPo battery for around 3-5 minutes of thrilling flight time.

    Click here to learn more or purchase.

    4. FMS F4U-4 Corsair - Warbird

    Image of the FMS F4U-4 Corsair RC plane

    If you’re a fan of vintage warbirds, then you’ll love this one. The FMS F4U-4 Corsair is not only built to look like the classic WWII and Korean War aircraft — it flies like it, too. Packed with features but yet priced reasonably, this model is a must-add to your hangar. With a 90-degree rotating retractable landing gear feels smooth like butter. But here’s why it’s not on our list of fast RC planes: The Corsair’s 4250-KV540 brushless motor, paired with its 14x8 4-blade propeller, delivers unmatched power, making this beauty an absolute thrill to fly. 

    Key Features:

    • Price Range: $350 - $450
    • Durable and Easy to Assemble: Constructed from durable EPO foam and designed for hassle-free assembly with minimal glue required.
    • Battery Compatibility: Flies on a 4S 25C 2600mAh LiPo battery, providing up to 6 minutes of flight time.

    Click here to learn more or purchase.

    Get the Fastest RC Planes on RC Visions

    Image of the RC Visions logo

    Still want more options? 

    At RC Visions, our collection of speed-focused aircraft goes well beyond those mentioned above. From bind-and-fly (BNF) and plug-and-play (PNP) to ready-to-fly (RTF) RC planes, something for every hobbyist. Plus, we regularly offer special deals and discounts to help you get the best value.

    So head on to our website, where you’ll be able to easily browse and compare different models. And if you still have trouble making a pick, contact our expert team. We’ll help you not only find but also get your new RC plane delivered to your doorstep quickly and securely.

    Conclusion

    In this piece, we’ve highlighted some of the fastest RC planes available on the market. Flying one of these bad boys involves more than just pushing levers; You need to master its handling and fully understand its capabilities. So, choose wisely based on your skill level. And most importantly, buy from a trustworthy seller like RC Visions, who can provide not only support but also ship spare parts whenever you need them.

    FAQs

    How fast can RC planes fly?

    EDF jets and racing planes can easily touch speeds of 100-200 mph.

    Is RC planes an expensive hobby?

    Yes, the thrill of flying an RC plane comes at a cost. About $100 to $300 will get you a beginner's model. But there’s more. You should also budget for maintenance and replacement parts.

    Do you need permission to fly an RC plane?

    The rules vary depending on the country you plan on flying, especially in public areas. In the USA, for example, you’ll need to get clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) if your RC plane weighs more than 250 grams. The obvious nos are flying near airports, military spaces or areas with densely populated buildings.