Remote Control Military Vehicles: Tanks, Trucks and Aircraft Explained
Remote control military vehicles cover tanks, armoured vehicles, military trucks, helicopters, warbirds and jets. The most popular are 1/16 scale RC tanks, from affordable ready-to-run models (for example from Heng Long) to detailed kits (such as Tamiya’s 1/16 range), often with sound, smoke and infrared or airsoft battle systems. Military 6×6 and 4×4 trucks are popular as scale crawlers, and in the air there are scale Black Hawks, Apaches and warbirds.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20264 min read
Types
| Type | Typical scale | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Battle tanks | 1/16, 1/24, 1/35 | Rotating turret, sound, smoke, IR or airsoft battle |
| Armoured vehicles | 1/16 | Wheeled or tracked, turret options |
| Military trucks | 1/12–1/16 | 6×6 or 4×4 crawler chassis, scale details |
| Helicopters | Micro to 700-size scale | Black Hawk, Apache, Huey |
| Warbirds and jets | Foam and balsa | WWII fighters, EDF jets |
RC tanks
A 1/16 RC tank is about 40–60 cm long and drives on rubber or metal tracks with two motors for skid steering. Ready-to-run tanks include a radio, battery and multifunction board that drives the turret, gun recoil, sounds and sometimes smoke. Infrared battle systems let tanks “hit” each other: each hit is counted, and the tank is disabled after a set number. Some tanks fire 6 mm airsoft BBs, which should only be used at targets, never at people or animals. Detailed kits can be upgraded with metal tracks, gearboxes and better sound units.
Military trucks
Scale military trucks are built on crawler chassis, often 6×6, with detailed bodies, canvas covers and accessories. They’re driven slowly on trails like other scale crawlers. Kits vary from simple ready-to-run models to metal-chassis builds that take weeks.
Military aircraft
Scale military helicopters range from small RTF models to large scale kits; see UH-60 Black Hawk RC. Warbirds and EDF fighter jets are among the most popular RC planes. Toy helicopters with missiles or IR battle are another way to “battle” in the air; see shooting RC helicopters.
Battling safely
- Prefer infrared battle systems for games with friends and children.
- With airsoft tanks, shoot only at targets and wear eye protection.
- Never aim at people, animals or windows.
- Agree on rules and a safe area before playing.
- Keep the volume of sound units reasonable around neighbours.
Choosing
- Ready-to-run for quick fun; kits for detail and upgrades.
- 2.4 GHz radio so several vehicles can run together.
- IR battle compatibility if you’ll play with others.
- Spare parts and upgrade options.
- Battery type and run time.
Collecting and display
Many owners treat RC military models as display pieces as much as toys: weathering, figures and diorama bases bring them to life. Detailed kits are better suited to this than toy-grade models, and their value holds better.
Popular upgrades for RC tanks
Owners of ready-to-run tanks often upgrade step by step. Metal tracks add weight and a realistic clatter, and grip better on loose ground. Metal gearboxes survive more driving, and better multifunction boards give more realistic sound and smoother turret movement. Weathering the paint, adding stowage and tank crew figures makes the model look like a real vehicle in the field. Each upgrade can be done separately, so the tank grows with your interest and budget.
Clubs and events
RC tank and military vehicle clubs organise battle days with IR systems and scale terrain, as well as display events. They’re a good place to see different models in action before buying.
FAQ
What is the most popular RC military vehicle?
1/16 scale RC tanks.
Can RC tanks shoot?
Many have IR battle systems; some fire airsoft BBs for target practice.
What scale are RC tanks?
Mostly 1/16, also 1/24 and 1/35.
Are RC military trucks crawlers?
Most are built on crawler chassis.
More on this topic: the complete RC Cars 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
