Black Horse RC Planes: Vietnamese Balsa ARF Warbirds, Trainers and Jets
Black Horse Model is a Vietnamese manufacturer, based in Ho Chi Minh City and founded around 1999, that builds ARF (almost ready to fly) balsa model airplanes. Its range covers semi-scale trainers, aerobatic planes, scale models such as the Wilga, giant-scale warbirds and EDF jets. The planes use balsa and plywood construction, covered in most cases with Oracover polyester film, and are known for tidy finishes and dependable flying. They’re sold through hobby dealers in Europe and elsewhere.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20263 min read
The range
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Trainers | Semi-scale high-wing trainers |
| Aerobatic | Sport and 3D planes |
| Scale | Civil and utility aircraft (e.g. Wilga) |
| Warbirds | Large and giant-scale fighters |
| Jets | EDF and turbine-ready balsa jets |
| Biplanes | Classic biplane subjects |
From dealer listings, checked October 2026; models vary by market.
What to expect
Black Horse ARFs arrive built and covered, with hardware included in many kits. Owners generally praise the covering and finish. As with any ARF, check glue joints, especially firewalls and landing gear mounts, re-iron the covering, and tighten hardware before flying. Another well-known ARF maker is covered in World Models RC planes.
Power options
Most Black Horse planes can be built for glow, gas or electric power, with the manual listing engine or motor sizes. Electric conversions are common for quieter flying; gas suits larger planes for long flights. Check the CG carefully whichever you choose, since power systems differ greatly in weight.
Assembly tips
- Inventory all parts before starting.
- Re-iron the covering, especially seams and edges.
- Reinforce stressed glue joints with epoxy where needed.
- Install servos and linkages without slop.
- Set CG and throws as per the manual.
- Range check and do a careful first flight.
Giant-scale warbirds
Black Horse’s large warbirds are popular for their scale outlines and size. They need strong servos, retracts and appropriate power, plus space to transport and fly. Giant warbird options in general are in giant-scale RC warbird kits.
Buying tips
- Buy from a dealer who stocks spares for your model.
- Check what hardware and accessories are included.
- Plan your power system and servos before ordering.
- Read owner build threads for known tweaks.
- Consider transport size for large models.
Why choose balsa ARFs
Balsa ARFs fly with a solid, precise feel and look more realistic than many foam planes. They’re repairable with traditional techniques and can last for years with care. They suit pilots past the foam-trainer stage who want a more traditional model without a long build.
Setting up a balsa ARF
Before the first flight, go through the plane carefully. Check that the wing is straight and the tail is aligned square to the wing. Make sure control horns are glued or bolted firmly and that pushrods move freely without slop. Balance the propeller and check the spinner fits without wobble. Set the CG exactly as the manual states, then refine with a dive test after the first flights. Many experienced pilots also add a little extra epoxy fillet at the firewall and landing gear blocks, which are the joints that take the biggest loads.
Repairs
Balsa ARFs are very repairable: broken parts can be rebuilt with balsa, glue and patches of matching film. Ask the dealer for spare covering in your colour scheme when buying.
Keep the manual handy at the field for CG and throw values.
FAQ
Where is Black Horse Model from?
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
What does Black Horse make?
Balsa ARF trainers, aerobatic planes, scale models, warbirds and jets.
Are Black Horse planes electric?
Many can be glow, gas or electric.
Are they for beginners?
Their trainers can be; most models suit intermediate pilots.
More on this topic: the complete RC Airplanes guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
