The Broader World of Sailplanes
Other Sailplanes is the collective of most every other type of radio controlled sailplane, besides handlaunch, slope, and combat sailplanes described on other pages. These sailplanes or gliders range in size from 2 meters in wingspan to open class sailplanes with wingspans greater than 100 inches. Some open class and scale sailplanes have wing spans greater than 3 meters, but you better have a large car and friends to help get that plane in the air.
Typically, planes with wingspans of about 2 meters are the most popular as they're smaller (they fit in the car) and a bit easier to maneuver and anticipate their movements in the air. The 'standard' and open class sailplanes have the greatest potential for high performance, thermal hunting, or resembling full-size sailplanes that carry people aloft.
However, flying a particularly large, scale sailplane can be amazingly thrilling. They have amazing momentum which means you can make gigantic, high-altitude turns and you can equip these bigger fuselages with speed/altimeters and other telemetry without worrying so much about any extra weight.
Choosing the Right Size
There are many different plane sizes in the lists below. If you're a beginner, it's probably best to consider a sailplane near the 2-meter size, as trying to learn to fly a 10-foot wingspan mega-sailplane can be disastrous if you crash while learning. You also need to decide what might fit in your car or even your house before considering any of these planes. Some of the larger, open class sailplanes are not only difficult to build, but some can be fairly difficult to fly as well, even for an expert pilot.
If you're looking for performance, some of the planes in the 'Advanced' categories below can offer a challenge that is truly rewarding. At some point, all sailplanes become 'other' in that you can fly these planes on a slope, or even handlaunch them. Use your judgment carefully, especially with some of these very expensive aircraft.
Types of “Other” Sailplanes
Two-Meter Class
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The classic entry point for sport flying. With wingspans up to 78 inches (2 meters), these planes are portable, affordable, and forgiving. Many are available as ARF or RTF kits with electric motor assist for self-launch, so you don't need a hi-start or a friend to tow you up. Popular choices include the Night Radian (with LED lights for evening flying), the EasyGlider 4, and classic balsa designs like the Wanderer and Gentle Lady that have introduced generations of pilots to the hobby.
Standard Class
Standard class sailplanes have wingspans beyond 2 meters but under 100 inches. These are the workhorses of thermal soaring and competition. With more wing area comes better glide performance and the ability to cover more ground searching for thermals. Many standard class planes are composite construction — fiberglass or carbon fiber fuselages with foam-core sheeted wings — offering excellent strength-to-weight ratios.
Open Class
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Open class is where things get serious. Wingspans beyond 100 inches and sometimes exceeding 200 inches (that's over 16 feet!). These are the high-performance machines: scale sailplanes that look remarkably like the real thing, F3B and F3F racers built for speed and precision, and thermal duration ships designed to stay aloft for hours. Some, like the HModel Arcus at 260 inches (21.6 feet), require a trailer and a crew to transport and launch. Building and flying these planes is an advanced skill, but the reward — watching a beautifully crafted scale sailplane silently soaring hundreds of feet up — is unmatched.
Electric-Assist & Motor Gliders
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Electric-assist sailplanes have a motor and propeller (usually folding) that can launch the plane to altitude under its own power. Once at height, the motor is shut off and the propeller folds flat against the fuselage, and from that point on it's pure soaring. This eliminates the need for hi-starts, winches, or tow planes — just flip the switch, climb to altitude, and start hunting for lift. Many modern 2-meter and standard class planes come with electric assist as a standard option.
Scale Sailplanes
Scale sailplanes are built to replicate real, full-size gliders in miniature. These planes prioritize visual accuracy — correct proportions, paint schemes, cockpit details, and sometimes even functional spoilers, flaps, and retractable landing gear. Popular scale subjects include the ASW-28, DG-600, Discus, Ventus, and the massive Arcus two-seater. Scale building is often the most challenging and time-consuming branch of the hobby, but the results can be breathtaking.
Ornithopters
Ornithopters are the oddball of the sailplane world — radio controlled flying machines that flap their wings like birds. They don't soar in the traditional sense, but they're fascinating to watch and a completely different building and flying challenge. Several manufacturers have produced R/C ornithopters over the years.
Featured Videos
My Buddie's Arcus at Los Banos Reservoir
Arcus at Los Banos (YouTube)
A beautiful scale sailplane soaring above the reservoir.
My Ventus 2C — First Flights
Ventus 2C — Flight 1
First flight of the ICare Ventus 2C.
Ventus 2C — Flight 2
More soaring with the Ventus 2C.
Two-Meter Sailplanes
Wingspans up to 2m (78"). The classic beginner and sport class. These planes fit easily in a car, launch by hand or with a short hi-start, and are forgiving enough to learn on. Many come as ARF or RTF kits with electric motor assist. Links change often as manufacturers come and go — I try to keep this list current.
Standard Class
Wingspans beyond 2 meters but under 100 inches. These are the workhorses of thermal soaring — more wing area means better glide performance and longer flights. Most are composite construction with foam-core wings. Many are designed for F3F (slope racing) or F3J (thermal duration) competition.
Open Class
Wingspans 100 inches or more — the big ships. These include scale sailplanes that replicate full-size gliders, F3B speed/distance machines, and thermal duration ships that can stay aloft for hours. Some exceed 200 inches of wingspan and require a trailer to transport. Building and flying at this level is an advanced skill, but the results are spectacular.
Electric / Motor Gliders
These sailplanes have an electric motor and folding propeller for self-launch. Climb to altitude under power, shut the motor off, and the prop folds flat — from that point on it's pure soaring. Electric assist eliminates the need for hi-starts, winches, or tow planes. Many of these also make excellent pure gliders with the motor off.