Great Planes Models: The Classic US Kit and ARF Brand Explained
Great Planes was one of the best-known American RC airplane brands, part of the Hobbico group, producing kits and ARFs that many pilots learned on: trainers, the Super Sportster and Ultra Sport sport planes, scale models and later electric foam planes. After Hobbico’s 2018 bankruptcy, many designs were discontinued, though the planes are still widely flown, sold used and rebuilt from plans.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20264 min read
Popular models
| Model | Type |
|---|---|
| Super Sportster 40 | Low-wing sport plane, 55.5 in |
| Ultra Sport 40 / 40 Plus / 60 | Aerobatic sport planes |
| PT trainers and others | High-wing trainers |
| Scale and electric models | Various |
Details on the Super Sportster and Ultra Sport are on their own pages; see Great Planes Ultra Sport.
History
Great Planes grew alongside Hobbico, the large US distributor, through decades of balsa kits and ARFs. Clear manuals and dependable designs made the brand a favourite in clubs. When Hobbico went bankrupt in 2018, its RC brands were largely acquired by Horizon Hobby, and many Great Planes products ended. The story is covered in Hobbico RC airplanes.
Finding Great Planes models
- Used planes at swap meets and online.
- Unbuilt kits from collectors.
- Plans from model plan archives.
- Manuals shared by enthusiasts.
- Club members who still fly them.
Restoring and flying
- Check wood and glue joints, especially firewall and gear mounts.
- Re-cover if the film is tired or loose.
- Fit modern servos and a 2.4 GHz radio.
- Convert to electric if desired, matching power to the original engine.
- Use the original manual’s CG and throws.
Why they’re still flown
Great Planes designs were well engineered and fly honestly: trainers that teach well, sport planes that introduce aerobatics smoothly. Many pilots keep their old Great Planes models for nostalgia and because they still fly as well as anything new.
“Sporter” and similar names
Searches for a “Great Planes Sporter” usually mean the Super Sportster family of low-wing sport planes, which came in several sizes.
Engines and electric conversions
Most classic Great Planes kits were designed for glow engines: a .40 size two-stroke for the Super Sportster 40 and Ultra Sport 40, larger engines for the 60-size models. Many owners still fly them that way, but converting to electric is common. The basic approach is to match the power of the original engine with a brushless outrunner and LiPo battery, mount the motor on the existing firewall with a standoff, and place the battery so the centre of gravity matches the manual. Add cooling air paths through the cowl and fuselage, and remove fuel tank and throttle linkage weight. A watt meter helps confirm the current draw stays within the motor, ESC and battery limits.
Buying a used one
When buying a used Great Planes model, look for loose or wrinkled covering that hides damage, cracks around the firewall and wing bolts, oil-soaked wood on glow models, and worn hinges. Ask for the manual or download a copy, and plan to replace old servos and radio gear.
Great Planes today
Horizon Hobby took over several former Hobbico brands, but most classic Great Planes kits are no longer produced. Some designs survive as plans, short-kits from small makers or community builds, and online forums still share build logs, setup notes and fixes. If you want a similar new plane, look at current low-wing sport ARFs in the same size class, which fly much like the old favourites.
FAQ
Is Great Planes still in business?
The brand’s products largely ended after Hobbico’s 2018 bankruptcy.
What were Great Planes’ most popular models?
Trainers, the Super Sportster and the Ultra Sport.
Can I still build one?
Yes, from used kits or plans.
Can I convert one to electric?
Yes, many are converted.
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
