These free RC aircraft plans are generally more suitable for intermediate to advanced RC modelers. The aircraft often require more individual components and complex construction, but they result in more realistic scale models. A few more basic plans, such as simple foamies, might be included in some of these collections. (First-time builders may want to try these less complex, easy-build airplane plans.)
Some plans are in PDF format, requiring Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded for free. Others are available only in CAD formats such as DWG or DXF. You may need to download another free viewer to view and print some of those.
Outerzone is a listing of free vintage and old-timer flying model aircraft plans to download. The listing is free for everyone - you don't need to register or log in to download these plans. You can view model plans by category tag (like say free flight, control line, radio control, scale, rubber, etc.) using the browse plans pages.
The following are a few of the websites that carry these intermediate to advanced do-it-yourself RC model airplane plans:
Hilbren
There are dozens of model plans here, listed in alphabetical order. As you pass your mouse over each link, a thumbnail image will pop up, showing you either a rendering of the plan or of the finished plane. Some have photos of the completed craft. These plans are in dwg.zip format, and include several dozen drawings of varying complexity from many different model builders.
Aerofred
There are dozens of plans available on this site, most all in downloadable PDF format. Some are for entire planes, others for RC aircraft components. You need to be a logged-in member to download the plans, but that's quick, easy, and free to do. And it's worth it. There are some really cool plans for the advanced modeler here, including the Avia B-534, a Czechoslovakian fighter plane, and New England modeling legend Harvey Thomasian's Half Wave from 1964. You can also order some 3-D printed kits as well.
Profili 2
Enthusiasts will love how easy it is to find what they're looking for at this site. Just plug in your parameters—which include dimension, engine, model, control style, format, and even the name of the craft—and then download your pick. There are over hundred plans for RC craft alone, from micro to full-sized.
The Planspage
Whether you want to fly a plane or control a boat on the water, this page has dozens of downloadable plans for building your own radio-controlled vehicle. Plans may be in DXF or PDF formats. Some of the specific aircraft include a MIG 21, a P 51 D Mustang, and an A 7 Corsair 'SLUF.'
Willingtons
This page features dozens of plans, all by name and alphabetized, and all free for the picking. Formats include GIF, JPEG, DXF, DWG, and others—so you'll likely find at least a plan or two your computer can handle. Plans come from a variety of authors and may vary greatly in detail and quality, so take some time to click through until you find what you want.
Craig Tarlington
These five RC airplane plans are all by the Willingtons website's owner and author, Craig Tarlington, and are offered in PDF format (see the 'My Plans' link in the sidebar if not taken directly to page). Plans are for a Pilen II (.25cu), Stunt Stik (.40cu), Stunt Stik II (.40cu), Gee Bee (.15cu), and a Beach Bum.
Foam planes are fun to fly. If you're thinking of delving into the world of downloading plans and building your own RC plane from scratch, you must be thinking of finding good free foam plans to start. Here are five great foam plane plans that are free to download to get you started.
B-58 Hustler
The B-58 Hustler is from ParkJets, a leader in plane plans. This plane has the specs of:
12 to 14 ounces in weight
45 inches long
26 inches wide
YF-23 Grey Ghost
Another great selection from ParkJets, the YF-23 Grey Ghost has specs of:
28 inch wingspan
43.7 inches in length
18.5 to 24 ounces in weight
BluCub
E-flight Wiki has plans for the BluCub foam plane. It can be created with FFF or Depron and has a weight of 7 to 9 ounces.
GeeBlu
Another favorite from the E-flight Wiki site is the GeeBlu. It states its specs as having a 30 x 15 inch wing with a 450 square inch wing area.
FF-T150
A very nice plane plan from RC Foam Fighters, the FF-T150 has a 24 inch wingspan, a 32.86 inch length, and weighs 23 ounces. It can be built with foamboard, depron or fan fold.