When properly built, model planes are amazing pieces of work, often with a level of detail that captures the essence of the real-life plane. Sometimes, it looks like someone took a real airplane and shrank it down to fit perfectly in your hand or on your shelf. Unfortunately, they can take weeks to properly assemble, and model kits can be difficult to find for a reasonable price.
The solution? 3D print your own models! Not only is it cheap and relatively fast, but your model plane can also have as much or as little detail as you like. 3D printers are perfect for this type of project, so much so that model airplanes have even been used to promote 3D printer brands. If you’re looking to find the best models to 3D print for yourself or a friend, our guide will give you a great selection of functional and beautiful models to choose from.
And if you want to build one of these sleek models but don’t have a 3D printer, Craftcloud, our 3D printing service marketplace, can help you out! With a wide range of materials and finishes available, you’ll be able to 3D print the entire model in your material of choice.
So, let’s see what’s out there!
Single-Part
These first airplane models can be downloaded and printed (apart from any stands or mounts) using just one STL file, and don’t require the use of glue or any non-3D printed parts. These models are minimalist and sleek, for the most part, and make for quick projects.
Curtiss P-40 Warhawk
Here’s a model for those who love the classics. A relic of World War II, this model is perfectly scaled to the real thing. However, the designer mentions that the level of detail has been dialed back to highlight the beautiful curves. You could, of course, paint details on it after printing, just like any other model, but it also looks great as-is.
There’s also a high-resolution model available to download from Cults, for a small fee.
- Who designed it? Bertinchamps
- How printable/popular is it? The eight makes prove its printability, though the model definitely requires supports.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
Designed for 3D printable wargaming and micro-modeling, this model is tiny in an epic way. In fact, it’s so small that the creator recommends printing at least three at a time so that each layer has enough time to cool!
According to the description, printing a batch of three should take less than 45 minutes, so you should have no problem creating a massive fleet to conquer your opponents in battle.
- Who designed it? BenjaminL
- How printable/popular is it? This tiny model will give your 3D printer no trouble and print very quickly, but be sure to use an extruder of 0.4 mm or less. Four other makers have printed these successfully.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
VasePlane
The VasePlane is a fascinating 3D printed creation that combines aviation aesthetics with vase printing. Its sleek design, inspired by single-seat fighter jets, makes it visually appealing. Printed in vase mode, it’s almost a single part, with the nose cut out for easy printing.
What sets it apart is its surprising gliding ability, although it takes some practice to throw it just right. The VasePlane adds a touch of creativity and personality to any space, whether as a decorative item or an interactive plaything.
- Who designed it? LanzDesign
- How printable/popular is it? This innovative model has over 400 downloads and 7 makes.
- Where to find it? Printables
Wright Flyer
For history enthusiasts, this biplane model is a real gem – the 1903 Wright Flyer was the very first aircraft to achieve powered flight! While this model lacks details such as the Wright brothers’ homemade engine, it still provides the complete airframe and wings of the famous flying machine, complete with canvas and cables!
The model prints in place and is then folded to assemble. The wings are printed from a single layer, which gives the appearance of canvas, as seen above!
- Who designed it? JulienJeanroy
- How printable/popular is it? The model might be difficult to remove from the build plate and requires extensive folding – kind of like an origami project. However, six community prints have been shared from both sites, so it’s definitely printable!
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory, Thingiverse
Paper Airplane
Let’s face it, the paper airplane was every aviation enthusiast’s actual first airplane. This model, dubbed The Dart, will help you commemorate the start of your love for aeronautics and makes an excellent addition to any collection. Plus, it comes with a stand that lets you pose it just like a typical model aircraft.
- Who designed it? ScoobaSteve451
- How printable/popular is it? The model has a large face to lie on the build plate, so it should be an easy print.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Eurofighter Typhoon
Another miniature aircraft model, this Eurofighter Typhoon is the perfect complement to any modern miniature European Air Force. While this model will begin to look low-poly when scaled up, it looks just like the Eurofighter Typhoon, the international multi-role fighter, when scaled to board-game size.
- Who designed it? Captain_Ahab_62
- How printable/popular is it? While this hidden gem only has a couple of makes, it has over 2,100 downloads.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk
The first real-life low-poly warplane, the F-117 Nighthawk gets its unique aesthetic from its angular fuselage, designed specifically to scatter radar and make the plane undetectable. Designed by Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works, the real plane costs $118 million and took decades of development. Now you can print your very own F-117 for less than $8 in filament, and keep the first of a new era of stealth planes on your bookshelf.
3D printer not large enough? No worries; the model also comes in two pieces that can be printed separately and then glued together.
- Who designed it? Multifarium
- How printable/popular is it? This design has over 2,500 downloads.
- Where to find it? Cults
Blowgun Plane Aereo
The Blowgun Plane Aereo is a fascinating and interactive toy that combines the thrill of a blowgun with the excitement of launching a small plane. This miniature aircraft can be easily printed, making it accessible for DIY enthusiasts. While the blowgun itself could be considered a separate component, it adds to the fun and competition. That said, you can print the plane and the blowgun in one shot (depending on your printer’s bed size and whether you scale the model). It will only need supports for the wings, and a standard 0.2-mm layer height works very well, as seen in some of the makes.
Users can engage in friendly challenges, blowing air through the blowgun to see whose plane can achieve the longest flight. This toy encourages social interaction and outdoor play, providing hours of entertainment. With its simple yet engaging design, the Blowgun Plane Aereo offers a unique and enjoyable experience for both kids and adults alike.
- Who designed it? StefanoRocca
- How printable/popular is it? This fun model has over 500 downloads and 9 colorful makes.
- Where to find it? Printables
Multi-Part
These next models require 3D printing several different files and dedicating time to assemble the model from different 3D printed pieces. They will require glue, so they’re more similar to the store-bought model airplane kits. Remember to wear personal protective equipment when necessary!
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
A model of one of the newest of the US warplanes, this model Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a sleek, accurate model. It displays a moderate level of detail, but the emphasis of this model is on its smoothness; there are very few sharp angles on the F-35’s fuselage.
Want an F-35 with a model stand? This design by thomveen might be the model for you! Or, if you’re a fan of this airplane and want a smaller, more fun way to express it, try printing this F-35-inspired phone stand by 3DGence.
- Who designed it? Rascalgp (based on model by Berat Semercioglu)
- How printable/popular is it? This model has over 300 downloads and 4 makes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse (printable files), GrabCAD (original model)
Airbus A220-100
The Airbus A220-100 is an impressive model designed for both realism and ease of assembly. Created from scratch, it offers a seamless printing and assembling experience. With a minimum required print volume of 47 x 75 x 140 mm, it caters to a wide range of 3D printers.
At a scale of 1:144, the model showcases remarkable attention to detail. Its dimensions of 25 cm (9.8 inches) in length and a wingspan of 24.5 cm (9.8 inches) accurately replicate the aircraft’s proportions. With only 13 parts to print, the assembly process is straightforward and enjoyable.
Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or a hobbyist, the Airbus A220-100 is a must-have model for your collection.
- Who designed it? Clerx
- How printable/popular is it? This fine model has over 7,500 downloads and 15 makes combined from all sites.
- Where to find it? Cults, MyMiniFactory, Thingiverse
Spirit of St. Louis
A pre-WWII classic, Lucky Lindy’s windshield-less wonder made the first solo trans-Atlantic flight in 1927, and now you can print it at home! Made of multiple pieces, this model is designed to snap together without glue, expediting the modeling process.
You’ll need a minimum 150 mm x 150 mm print bed for this model, as all of the parts are pre-plated in one file.
- Who designed it? Fichthorn
- How printable/popular is it? The designer has laid the parts out on a single print bed, so it’s very easy to set up for printing – something that can be reflected in the model’s 13 makes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Supermarine Spitfire Mk XIV
Another classic from World War II, this Spitfire has some amazing details that print really nicely. With the option to have either a smooth nose or a full propeller, as well as an optional stand, this model has plenty in the way of modeling choices.
Whichever combination you choose, while it is very printable, it requires a lot of assembly and gluing.
- Who designed it? Yellasing
- How printable/popular is it? 17 makers have shared great prints of this model.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Boeing 747SP
A desktop-sized version of the world’s largest passenger plane, this model has been “designed from scratch to be realistic but also easy to print and assemble”.
This multi-part model will fit most 3D printers and is proven to be 3D printable in several prints. It has two separate pieces for the detailed fuselage, separate tail fins, and two separate pieces for each of the wings, each with two jet engines.
Messerschmitt Bf-109
This model Messerschmitt Bf-109, also from World War II, was designed with detail and wargames in mind. Paired with a good paint job, this model is a great addition to any historic tabletop gamer’s collection.
It’s a fairly complex model with many small, fragile pieces, so you’ll want to make sure your printer is perfectly calibrated before attempting this one.
- Who designed it? Kolo33
- How printable/popular is it? This design has over 400 likes, and the different files have been downloaded over 9,500 times.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Concorde
The Concorde was an iconic supersonic aircraft that left its mark on aviation history.
For aviation enthusiasts and collectors, a printable model of the Concorde offers a fantastic opportunity to appreciate and showcase this marvel of engineering.
This particular Concorde model consists of 12 parts that can be printed individually. With a scale of 1:144, the dimensions accurately replicate the proportions of the original aircraft, measuring 42.5 cm in length and 18 cm in wingspan. The model’s design ensures that every detail is captured with precision.
When it comes to printing, the Concorde model requires a layer height of 0.2 mm, resulting in a smooth and detailed finish. This model stands out due to the fact that it doesn’t require any additional supports during the printing process, making it easier and more efficient to print.
- Who designed it? Clerx
- How printable/popular is it? This iconic design has over 2,400 downloads and 24 makes.
- Where to find it? Printables
Horten Ho 229
The futuristic, sweeping wing of this concept plane from the past is sure to capture your imagination, whether you hang it from your ceiling or set it on your shelf.
Originally modeled by user Helijah on Blend Swap, this model has been adapted for 3D printing by MaximSachs on Thingiverse. This model is a two-piece print that can be printed all at once without supports. Just glue it together in the middle!
- Who designed it? MaximSachs (based on a model by Helijah)
- How printable/popular is it? This model has over 7,700 downloads, with 4 makes shared so far.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse (printable files), Blend Swap (original model)
Fairchild 22
Another pre-WWII plane, this model of a Fairchild 22 trainer is great for those who like the full modeling experience. Printing in a large number of simple parts won’t put too much stress on your printer’s calibration. It will, however, test your skills at accurately gluing small parts.
- Who designed it? multirap
- How printable/popular is it? It’s easily printable, but lots of assembly and glue are necessary to put it all together. There are five makes for this model, showing that in spite of the challenge, it’s replicable.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird
The fastest airplane ever built, this weaponless US spy-plane from the Cold War flew so high and so fast (reaching speeds up to Mach 3.2) that its skin needed to be made entirely out of titanium. This particular model of the plane was made by an experienced modeler over the course of 20 hours, and comes with a stand with the Lockheed Martin company logo.
The model has been split to not require supports. It still requires a calibrated printer for optimum results, though. If you’d like to make sure that your 3D printer is tuned enough to make this beautiful and historically significant airplane, you might want to test your machine with a calibration cube first.
- Who designed it? Dauen (based on model by oranhunter)
- How printable/popular is it? This design shouldn’t be too difficult to print, as evidenced by the 21 makes that have been shared on Thingiverse.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse (printable files), Imgur (original model)
NASA Space Shuttle
The first ever spacecraft that could glide into the atmosphere and land on a runway, this next model makes the list because of the longstanding and epic history of the Space Shuttle program, as well as the creator’s commitment to making an accurate model, complete with booster rockets and external fuel tank.
This particular model was derived from a file from Google’s 3D warehouse, and, unscaled, stands over 30 cm high!
- Who designed it? ModelStation
- How printable/popular is it? This model has an impressive 63 makes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Remote-Controlled
As the name might imply, these RC aircraft models are multi-part and fully functional once assembled. They require extra components to build, though these are generally commonly available RC parts. Have fun and fly responsibly!
Free RC Airplane
The Free RC Airplane, a free version of the Eclipson Model T, offers an exciting experience for enthusiasts on a budget. With its 3D printed design, it’s a cost-effective option for RC plane lovers. However, be aware that it lacks landing gear and floats, necessitating a hand launch. Installing a folding propeller is advisable to prevent damage upon landing.
The model consists of 29 parts to be printed and assembled. Overall, the Free RC Airplane offers an accessible entry into the world of RC flying with its affordable design.
- Who designed it? Eclipson
- How printable/popular is it? This affordable design has over 2,500 likes and 23 makes combined from both sites.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, Cults
GASB 2
One of the few 3D printed fan jets in existence, this model has a unique appearance and some sleek aerodynamic curves. Flown on a “bank-and-yank” basis, this plane won’t offer the full acrobatics of a more complete model, but it should be plenty of fun all the same!
- Who designed it? Carletto73
- How printable/popular is it? In spite of its many pieces and extensive assembly, this model has over 40 posted makes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Sopwith Camel
If a biplane is what you’re looking for, this is certainly the model for you. This massive Sopwith Camel prints in quite a few pieces and will likely use up a lot of filament. As a finishing touch, you can print out a scale Snoopy for the cockpit, ready to dogfight with the Red Baron!
- Who designed it? xcorwin
- How printable/popular is it? This model requires a significant amount of filament and time to complete, but is proven to be printable by the designer’s photos.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Northern Pike
Feeling avant-garde? Maybe even a little futuristic? This is the plane for you!
This 36-inch plane certainly looks strange, but don’t let that fool you! This model, dubbed the “Northern Pike”, flies exceptionally well, and will easily draw the attention of onlooking crowds.
- Who designed it? localfiend
- How printable/popular is it? There are almost 30 makes combined from both sites, so it’s definitely printable, but it will require a well-calibrated 3D printer and familiarity with your FDM printer’s slicer settings.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, Printables
Modular Sailplane
A unique custom design, this sailplane should have you soaring gracefully above the airfield. With a 48-inch wingspan, this is quite a large plane. The model features some custom-designed parts for adjusting the elevators and micro-rudder. The entire thing is cut into multiple pieces to allow it to be printed on just about any FDM machine.
- Who designed it? Walt
- How printable/popular is it? It’s fairly complex to assemble, but there are five successful makes on Thingiverse.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII
If the stationary Spitfire Mk XIV wasn’t realistic enough for you, take one into the air with this RC Spitfire Mk VIII! This Spitfire is an airworthy model, and we have to say, it looks quite impressive. The description mentions that the current version is a bit heavy, so it might require some post-printing modification to get it flying nicely.
- Who designed it? rikesh_dhirajlal
- How printable/popular is it? This is a very advanced project, as the settings will need to be tuned to make it lightweight yet still sturdy enough to fly. Still, 19 makers have shared their success!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Bonus: Hawker Hurricane Mk IIA
This bonus model isn’t free like the rest of our list, but it’s a very impressive design that we just had to share. It shows the inner workings of a plane – the part that would remain if the skin were removed, the engine taken out, and everything removed from within the fuselage. It’s a model of the airframe of the Royal Air Force’s Hawker Hurricane Mk IIA from the skies of World War II.
A relatively inexpensive model to purchase, it will pique the interest of any aviation enthusiast and add to even the most extensive model airplane collections with its look into how airplanes of the 20th century were built. Not only that, but this model has a fully functioning, rubber-band-powered propeller!
- Who designed it? taciucmarius
- How printable/popular is it? This model can either be 3D printed or laser cut, so it’s very achievable, however you prefer to build it. The designer provides additional instructions for printing and assembly.
- Where to find it? Cults
License: The text of "The 25 Best 3D Printed Airplane Models of 2023" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.