Ask an Explainer
What model plane is best for long distance? How can I assure myself that my plane will fly farther?
To make your plane fly farther you need to increase thrust and decrease drag.
There are a variety of ways to provide thrust to model airplane. The three most common model airplanes, grouped by thrust, are thrown airplanes, rubber band airplanes, and electric airplanes. Electric powered airplanes will probably fly the farthest, but they are more difficult to modify.
Rubber band airplanes can fly amazing distances. They are generally constructed from balsa wood, a very lightweight material, and are propelled using a rubber band attached to a propeller. The distance they fly depends on how efficient the propeller is, how strong the rubber band is, and how aerodynamic the plane is. The easiest way to make a rubber band airplane fly farther is to use a stronger rubber band.
An even easier way to fly a long distance airplane is to try our virtual distance challenge!
