Brands
FMS planes
By Paul Walsh Last reviewed
FMS is a familiar name to anyone browsing foam planes: a huge range of trainers, sport planes, warbirds and jets, usually with more wingspan and detail for the money than the bigger brands.
FMS in brief
The FMS brand launched in 2007 (FMS about page). It makes foam planes from small park flyers to large-scale warbirds and EDF jets, plus its own Reflex V3 gyro system and a range of scale crawler cars.
Status (checked October 2026): trading, sold in the UK through model shops including Sussex Model Centre.
Trainers
| Model | Wingspan | Approx. price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranger 1220 V2 (RTF) | 1220mm | about £218 | Reflex V3 with stabilised, optimised and manual modes; 3S 1300mAh |
| Easy Trainer 1280 | 1280mm | about £173 (often out of stock) | Simple high-wing trainer |
| Ranger 1800 (PNP) | 1800mm | about $320 in the US | Bigger, steadier, needs your own radio |
| Kingfisher 1400 | 1400mm | about $290 in the US | Amphibious-capable trainer-style model |
The Ranger 1220 is the obvious FMS first plane: a forgiving high-wing trainer with gyro assistance (FMS product page). Our best RC planes for beginners compares it with E-flite and Volantex.
Warbirds and jets
This is where FMS is strongest: Spitfires, P-51s, Corsairs and EDF jets in several sizes. Most are PNP: you add receiver, radio and battery. They're second or third planes, not trainers. If you're unsure what PNP or BNF means, see RTF vs BNF vs kit, which applies to planes too.
Reflex V3
FMS's own stabiliser offers stabilised, optimised (gyro-assisted) and manual modes on its trainers. It works much like Horizon's SAFE and AS3X; the comparison is in gyro-stabilised RC planes.
Spares and repairs
FMS planes are EPO foam and repair well. Spares such as propellers, cowls and undercarriage are stocked by UK dealers, though less consistently than Horizon parts. Check availability for your model before you buy. The repair techniques are in repairing a crashed RC plane.
How it compares
FMS usually gives more plane for the money than E-flite, while E-flite has the more polished beginner systems and steadier UK parts supply. Volantex is cheaper again.
All the makers are on the brands page.
RC Mods is not affiliated with or endorsed by FMS.
Frequently asked questions
Is the FMS Ranger 1220 a good first plane?
Yes. It's a high-wing trainer with a 1.22m wingspan and Reflex V3 stabilisation with stabilised, optimised and manual modes, available ready to fly.
What does PNP mean on FMS planes?
Plug-N-Play: the plane comes with motor, ESC and servos fitted, but you add your own receiver, transmitter and battery.
Does FMS make RC cars?
Yes. FMS also makes scale crawlers such as the FCX24 and FCX18.