RC Boeing 787 Dreamliner: Small Foam to Large Turbine Models
RC Boeing 787 models come in two very different sizes. The common one is the QF008, a 550 mm foam model weighing 72 g, with two small motors, a gyro and 3-channel control, sold ready to fly as a beginner airliner. At the other end, large composite 787s with a wingspan of about 3.75–3.9 m, twin turbines and a dry weight around 27–29 kg have been offered as kits for experienced jet pilots. Here’s what each involves.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20264 min read
RC 787 models compared
| Model | Span | Weight | Power | Control | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QF008 Boeing 787 | 550 mm | 72 g | 2 coreless motors, 1S 300 mAh, about 15 min | 3-channel 2.4 GHz with gyro | Widely sold RTF |
| Composite B787-800 (Team Kuwait / Austars) | 3.75–3.9 m | 27–29 kg dry | Twin turbines (7–10 kg thrust each) | Full-house radio | Listed as discontinued; was about $5,850 for the airframe |
From retailer and maker listings (QF008, Austars), checked October 2026.
The QF008 foam 787
- Build: EPP foam with ABS parts; 445 mm long.
- Control: throttle, steering by differential motor thrust, and an elevator servo in the body; the gyro steadies it.
- Range: about 200 m according to sellers.
- Flying: calm days only; it’s light and gets blown around. Hand launch level into the wind.
- Who it’s for: beginners and airliner fans; good as a cheap first plane or a fun second plane.
More cheap beginner planes: best RC planes under $100.
QF008 problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Turns in one direction | One motor weaker, bent prop, trim off | Trim; swap or straighten props; replace a worn motor |
| Dives after launch | Too little throttle, elevator trim down | Launch with more throttle, trim up slightly |
| Climbs and stalls | Too much up trim or throttle | Reduce trim; fly at part throttle |
| Short flights | Battery worn or not fully charged | Replace the 1S 300 mAh pack |
| Won’t pair | Power-on order | Plane first on a level surface, then the remote |
Large scale 787 models
Big airliner models like the composite 787 are long-term projects: a large fuselage and wing in fibreglass/composite, retractable gear, two turbines with fuel systems, many servos and redundant power. At around 28 kg dry they need a large, paved runway, turbine experience, inspections and, in the US, authorisation for models over 55 lb once fuelled. Airliners that big are rare and usually flown at shows. The record-size airliner models are covered in the biggest RC airplanes.
The real 787 for comparison
| Version | Wingspan | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 787-8 | 60.1 m | 56.7 m |
| 787-9 | 60.1 m | 62.8 m |
| 787-10 | 60.1 m | 68.3 m |
Source: Boeing. A 3.9 m model of a 787-8 is about 1:15 scale; the 550 mm QF008 is a stylised small model rather than an exact scale.
Building your own 787
- Foam: depron or foamboard airliners with two EDFs or pusher props are popular scratch builds.
- Airliners need a lot of wing area and long runways; keep them light.
- Twin-engine models need matched motors and ESCs; a motor failure causes strong yaw.
- Start with a trainer before attempting a scale airliner.
FAQ
Is there a large RC Boeing 787 Dreamliner?
Large composite turbine 787 kits with about 3.9 m span have been made, but the best-known one is listed as discontinued. Large ones are mostly custom builds.
Is the QF008 787 good for beginners?
Yes, it’s a gyro-stabilised 3-channel foam plane designed for beginners, best flown in calm air.
How long does the QF008 fly?
About 15 minutes on its 300 mAh battery, which charges in about 30 minutes.
Are RC 787 models durable?
The EPP foam QF008 survives typical beginner bumps; large composite models are fragile and expensive to repair.
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
