Aircraft on a 3D printer: 15 great models to print

Are you an aviation enthusiast or looking for an interesting model for your collection? Or maybe you want to 3D print a remote controlled airplane? In any case this article is for you!

Types and Criteria of Model Airplanes

Properly made model airplanes are stunning layouts with a high level of detail. Looking at these tiny figurines, it may seem like someone just reduced a real airplane to a miniature size. But the process of assembling a model can take weeks or even months, and quality assembly kits are a rarity.

The solution? Print your own models on a 3D printer! It’s cheap and relatively fast. You can also make as many model parts as you want to make it easier or harder to assemble.

And what if model collecting is not your thing and you’ve always wanted a radio-controlled airplane? We have some of the best models on our list that have great ergonomics for flying!

Model airplane on a 3D printer

So, we present the selection criteria in our list.

The main criteria were complexity and number of parts. In the case of remote-controlled airplanes, the complexity of assembly was also taken into account. The second criterion was complexity of printing. This criterion allowed us to take into account the need for support placement, the resolution required and the need for post-processing of the printed parts.

We guarantee that all the models on this list can be printed on an FDM printer.

We have made it easy to navigate so that you can easily and quickly find the right 3D model:

  1. Whole models (consisting of 1-2 parts);
  2. Models with many parts to assemble;
  3. Aircraft with radio control.

In each section you can find 5 excellent models to print.

Solid Models

One-piece B-17 in 1/700 scale

В-17

The model created for 3D printing and micromodeling is very tiny. In fact, it is so small that it is recommended that you print 3 or more models at a time so that the plastic has time to cool. It takes about 45 minutes to print a batch of 3, so you can easily create an entire air unit to defeat your enemies!

Detail: low

Printing difficulty: medium, you need to print several models at a time

Post-processing: Minimal

Where to find: Thingiverse

Author: Benjamin L.

JAS 39 Gripen solid model
JAS 39 Gripen

Although the model is not perfect, it has a smooth surface and excellent aerodynamics. The abundance of fine detail does not affect the print quality, but the JAS 39 Gripen requires a printer with a high resolution of 0.15mm or less. If you are looking for a good model to evaluate the capabilities of your 3D printer – the Swedish fighter jet is the best fit.

Detail: medium

Print complexity: high/medium, requires fine tuning of printer

Postprocessing: Necessary

Where to find: Thingiverse

Author: Simon W.

FA-18 Super Hornet solid model
FA-18 Super Hornet

If the Gripen turned out to be too difficult for your printer, don’t worry – we have another fighter jet on our list. This wonderfully modeled FA-18 is sure to turn out on your printer. Although it is actually in 2 parts along with the stand, we have included it in this category.

Detail: medium

Print complexity: low

Post-processing: minimal, gluing required

Where to find it: Thingiverse

Author: Marc Venendahl

Solid model Horten Ho 229
Horten Ho 229

The futuristic wide wings of this concept aircraft will amaze your imagination. The model can be hung from the ceiling or placed on a shelf. Technically this model is in 2 parts, but it takes very little time to assemble.

The detailing is low

Print complexity: low

Post-processing: Minimal, gluing required

Where to find: Thingiverse

Author: Baranger Emmanuel, print adaptation by Maxime Sachs

Curtiss P40 Warhawk solid model
Curtiss P40 Warhawk

For fans of World War II classics we present the Curtiss P40 Warhawk. The model is perfectly detailed, but the creator intentionally reduced the amount of printed detail to emphasize the beautiful curves. The plane can be painted or left monochrome – either way it will attract attention.

Detail: low

Print complexity: medium, supports required

Postprocessing: Medium difficulty

Where to find: Thingiverse

Author: Cyril Bertinsham

Multi-part models

Spirit Of St. Louis

Spirit Of St. Louis

The Lucky Lindy Wonder, a pre-World War II classic that made its first solo transatlantic flight in 1927, can now be added to your collection. This multi-piece model is joined without glue, which speeds up the modeling process. You will need a 3D printer with a platform of at least 150x150mm for this airplane, as all parts are in one file.

Detail: medium/high

Print complexity: medium/low

Postprocessing: medium complexity, assembly required

Where to find: Thingiverse

Author: Rick Fichthorn

Spitfire XIV

Spitfire XIV

Another WWII classic. This Spitfire has some amazing details that turn out really nice. The ability to add extras in the form of a propeller and an extra stand allows you to diversify the original model.

Detail: high

Print complexity: low

Post-processing: complex, requires gluing and fitting parts

Where to find: Thingiverse

Author: Adam Garratt

Messerschmitt BF-109 in 1/56 scale

Messerschmitt BF-109

The famous German aircraft was designed with war games in mind. Combined with a good paint job, this model will be a great addition to the Luftwaffe of any board history game.

Detail: high

Printing complexity: medium

Post-processing: medium difficulty, gluing required

Where to find: Thingiverse

Author: Colo33

Airbus A400M

Airbus A400M

Popular in the early scenes of Mission Impossible: Outcast Nation, the A400M is a huge military transport plane with distinctive twin-turboprop engines. This highly detailed model is small in size. Although the plane is awkward to assemble, it has some great features, such as rotating propellers.

Detail: high

Print complexity: high, need fine adjustments

Postprocessing: complex, requires gluing and sanding

Where to find: Thingiverse

Author: ads365

Fairchild 22
Fairchild 22

Another prewar aircraft. This Fairchild 22 model is great for those who like traditional modeling. You will need to print out a large number of parts, which takes little time. But then you have to work hard gluing it all together.

Detail: medium

Print complexity: low

Post-processing: complex, you need gluing and assembling

Where to find: Thingiverse

Author: multirap

Radio-controlled airplanes

GASB 2 Fan Jet

This model, one of the few to be printed on a 3D printer, has a unique appearance and excellent aerodynamics. The plane will not be able to perform complex stunts, but its launching and flying can be just as much fun!

Difficulty of assembly: low

Print complexity: low

Post-processing: medium difficulty

Where to buy: Thingiverse

Author: Carlo Colombari

Sopwith Camel

Sopwith Camel

If you are looking for a biplane, this model is definitely for you. This massive Sopwith Camel is printed in multiple runs and requires a lot of filament.

Difficulty of assembly: medium

Print complexity: medium, requires a lot of time and material

Postprocessing: medium difficulty

Where to find: Thingiverse

Author: Cor Winkler

Northern Pike

Northern Pike

This nearly one-meter-long plane looks weird, but its appearance is deceptive. This model, dubbed the Northern Pike, flies great and easily attracts attention. Do you like anything extravagant? Then this airplane is for you!

Difficulty of assembly: medium

Print complexity: medium/high, many adjustments required

Post-processing: Minimal/medium complexity

Where to find: Thingiverse

Author: local villain

Modular Glider

Modular Glider

A glider with a unique sleek design can easily soar above the ground. With a wingspan of 120 cm it is quite a large aircraft. The model has some special parts for adjustment. The great thing about this model is that it can be printed on almost any FDM printer!

Difficulty of assembly: medium/high, there are non-standard mechanisms

Print complexity: medium/low, some adjustments needed

Postprocessing: minimal/medium complexity

Where to find: Thingiverse

Author: Walt

Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII

Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII

If the static model does not satisfy you, we found a better one! This Spitfire can fly and looks pretty impressive. The model description mentions that this is a heavy version, so you may need to do some additional machining or modifications to this aircraft.

Difficulty of assembly: high

Print complexity: medium

Post-processing: complex, requires sanding to reduce weight

Where to find: Thingiverse

Author: Rikesh Dhirajlal

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