737 RC Plane: Boeing 737 Models, Sizes and Flying an RC Airliner
Several RC Boeing 737s are on the market. Small foam 1:30 scale models with about 1.3 m wingspan and twin 50 mm EDFs come in 737-700, 737-900 and MAX variants; Freewing’s AL37, styled on the 737 MAX, has a 1.83 m span and twin 70 mm EDFs; and 3D-printed 737s around 1.84 m span on two 70 mm fans are available as files for builders. All are electric ducted-fan models that fly like real jets: fast, smooth, and needing a runway or smooth grass.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20264 min read
RC 737 options
| Model | Span | Power | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:30 foam 737 (700, 900, MAX) | 1,300 mm | Twin 50 mm EDF | PNP; compact airliner |
| Freewing AL37 (737 MAX style) | 1,830 mm | Twin 70 mm EDF | EPO, PNP, larger and more stable |
| 3D-printed 737 (RC-Jetprint) | 1,840 mm | Twin 70 mm EDF | Print and build yourself |
| Scratch builds | Varies | EDF or props | Foam-board and depron plans |
From retailer and maker listings, checked October 2026. Airline liveries and availability change often.
What airliners are like to fly
An RC 737 flies like a scaled-down jet transport. It needs a long, smooth take-off run, climbs gently, and must be flown with smooth, wide turns. It glides fast with little drag, so landings need a long, shallow approach and careful speed control. Flaps (on models that have them) help slow it for landing. Twin small EDFs draw high current, so flights are often 4–6 minutes. EDF basics are in what an EDF RC plane is.
Who it suits
- Pilots comfortable with low-wing sport planes and ideally a previous EDF jet.
- Club fliers with a paved runway or short, smooth grass.
- Fans of scale airliners who value realism over aerobatics.
Not a first plane: airliners are less forgiving than trainers and can be hard to see orientation at distance.
Setup tips
- Balance precisely at the manual’s CG with the batteries installed.
- Check both EDFs run in the right direction and give equal thrust.
- Use exponential and moderate rates; airliners don’t need big throws.
- Set a flight timer conservatively; EDF packs drain quickly.
- Test retracts and steering on the ground before every flight.
Bigger airliners
For more presence and stability, larger airliner models in the 2 m+ class are built by enthusiasts and some manufacturers. They’re expensive and need big fields, but fly slower relative to their size and look more realistic. See giant RC airliners.
Buying checklist
- PNP means you add receiver and batteries; check the battery size (often 4S–6S).
- Spare EDF units and landing gear available.
- Livery you like; decals can be changed.
- Transport: fuselage length often exceeds 1.2 m.
- A runway or smooth surface to operate from.
Field tips
Fly in calm conditions at first, as long thin fuselages are affected by crosswinds on take-off. Keep the landing gear clean, check the nose wheel steering for play, and avoid tall grass, which can rip off the gear or ingest debris into the fans.
Building your own 737
Foam-board and Depron plans let you build a 737 for little money, often with pusher props hidden in the engine nacelles or with small EDFs. They’re lighter than moulded models and fly slower, which makes them easier to land. A 3D-printed version is another route if you own a printer, though printed airframes are heavier and need careful weight control to fly well.
FAQ
Is there an RC Boeing 737?
Yes: 1:30 foam EDF models, the Freewing AL37 and 3D-printed versions.
How big is an RC 737?
Commonly 1.3 m to about 1.84 m wingspan.
Can a 737 RC plane take off from grass?
Only short, smooth grass; a runway is better.
How long does it fly?
Usually about 4–6 minutes on EDF power.
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
