The 10 Best Model Helicopters

This review has been updated 15 times since it was first published in February of 2018. Whether you’re a die-hard aircraft enthusiast or just looking for a challenging new hobby, you’re sure to find something to delight you on this list of model helicopters. All of the greats are here, and to foster a love of aviation, we’ve even included items that will get kids interested in these exciting military and civilian vehicles. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Review.

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10. Hasegawa UH-1H Iroquois

The Hasegawa UH-1H Iroquois lets you build your own Huey, although you’ll spend far, far less than the $26 million a real one would cost. This version is built in a 1:72 scale, and in the box you’ll find U.S. Army and Japanese Ground Self Defense Force decal options.

9. Pathfinders Leonardo da Vinci Premium Aerial Screw

Step back in time with the Pathfinders Leonardo da Vinci Premium Aerial Screw (around $20), a wood kit that contains plenty of information to help the builder learn more about the history of flight. It should take between 1 and 3 hours to finish, but its display potential is endless.

8. New Ray Sky Pilot UH-60

How could any collection be complete without the Black Hawk? The New Ray Sky Pilot UH-60 (about $18) should be just the ticket. It’s a 1:60 scale, plastic and die-cast unit with an authentic paint scheme, functional rotors, and printed markings that won’t fade.

7. Aoshima Airwolf

You’ll both build and paint the Aoshima Airwolf (around $42), which comes from the 1980s TV series of the same name and is based on the Bell 222, an American twin-engine first introduced in the 1970s. It’s a great choice for fans of vintage television or aircraft in general.

6. Lego City Volcano Explorers Kit

If your kids are too young for die-cast models or you just don’t have the patience, you could try this Lego City Volcano Explorers Kit (around $63). You’ll get all the pieces required to make both a helicopter and an excavator, along with three minifigures.

5. InAir Marine One VH-60N White Hawk

Although it’s a display model and not a kit, the InAir Marine One VH-60N White Hawk (about $33) is a strong addition to any collection, thanks to its size, detail, and limited edition status. It comes with a stand, so you can set it up right out of the box.

4. Syma S107 3-Channel RC

This Syma S107 3-Channel RC (about $22) comes preassembled, prepainted, and ready to fly. The built-in gyroscope helps keep it stable, while its diminutive size makes it portable and good for flying even in the smaller rooms inside your home.

3. Revell Bell AH-1W SuperCobra

The Revell Bell AH-1W SuperCobra (appx. $23) is rated at level 4 out of 5 for difficulty, which means it should provide you with hours of challenging enjoyment. It’s got 128 parts in total and, when assembled, the nose cannon moves and the main and tail rotors rotate.

2. Fascinations Metal Earth AH-64 Apache

A replica of one of the most popular attack helicopters, the Fascinations Metal Earth AH-64 Apache (appx. $11) features sturdy, yet thin, metal that bends into position, no need to glue or solder. And, at less than 5 inches tall, it’s great for those who have limited display room

1. Italeri V-22 Osprey

At 1:48 scale, the Italeri V-22 Osprey (appx. $32) offers a decent size and good accuracy, including a cockpit control panel and detailed landing gear. It’s also somewhat customizable, as you can build it with the engine nacelles in either the horizontal or vertical position.

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