CNHL is the first to bring AviNationRC’s debut aircraft, the Horten Ho-229, to market — a compact EDF that combines a rare scale flying-wing design with a more serious, performance-focused flight experience than its size might suggest.
The CNHL AviNationRC Horten Ho 229 RC Plane 813mm Twin 35mm EDF PNP remains connected to one of aviation history’s most recognizable unfinished experimental flying-wing designs, and its unique shape continues to capture attention decades later. Originally developed as an experimental heavy fighter for the Luftwaffe during World War II, the full-scale Ho-229 never reached full operational service, adding to the fascination that surrounds it today.
AviNationRC has brought the Horten Ho-229 813mm twin-35mm EDF RC version to life in a compact, performance-focused format. Designed to deliver a fast and responsive flying experience, it captures the distinctive character of the original Ho 229 aircraft while remaining practical for modern RC pilots, with excellent slow-speed handling too. For pilots browsing the broader CNHL RC planes lineup, this Ho 229 plane sits in a very different place from a normal trainer or sport airframe.
Quick Fit Check
Twin 35mm EDF units provide strong performance for its size, while the lightweight 174g bare airframe, with a ready-to-fly weight of around 245-265g depending on battery, receiver, and setup choice, keeps the aircraft agile, responsive, and easy to transport.
Supplied in PNP format, the model requires a compatible 4-6 channel micro receiver to complete the setup and supports both 3S and 4S battery configurations. A 3S setup offers the same smooth handling as 4S, just with less thrust for a potentially more scale flying experience, while the stock 4S setup delivers increased thrust, stronger acceleration, and a more aggressive EDF experience.
Both setups offer strong stability throughout the speed range, in light or even stronger wind conditions. No gyro is supplied, as none is needed for normal flight. The AviNationRC Horten flies naturally well by design, although pilots who prefer additional assistance can still use a gyro receiver if they wish.
Power comes from twin 1311 5600KV brushless outrunner motors paired with dual 15A micro brushless ESCs, giving the aircraft efficient power delivery and reliable performance. The model also includes removable, steerable semi-scale landing gear, adding both practical ground handling and a more realistic appearance.
If you want compatible power options in one place, use the dedicated battery collection for the CNHL AviNationRC Horten Ho-229.
Quick Take
If you have some experience flying sport models or smaller EDF aircraft, the Horten Ho-229 offers a more distinctive step into compact jet performance. Its unique flying-wing layout, responsive handling, and compact size make it an appealing choice for pilots looking for something different without moving into a large or complex EDF platform.
This is not just another small RC plane. As a German Ho 229 concept brought into a practical modern RC format, it has a rare silhouette, a strong aviation story, and a flying character that feels more serious than its compact size first suggests. It is often discussed as a Ho 229 jet, a Ho 229 aircraft, and sometimes even searched as a Ho 229 bomber, but the real value here is that AviNationRC has turned the shape into a flyable, usable, repeatable RC aircraft.
Product Specifications
| Wingspan |
813mm |
| Length |
360mm |
| Bare Airframe Weight |
174g without battery |
| Ready-to-Fly Weight |
245-265g depending on battery, receiver, and setup choice |
| Motor |
2 x 1311 5600KV brushless outrunners |
| ESC |
2 x 15A micro brushless ESCs |
| Servos |
3 x 2.2g servos (2 x elevons, 1 x steering) |
| EDF Units |
2 x 35mm 5-blade EDF units |
| Configuration |
PNP |
| Receiver |
Micro 4-6 channel receiver required (not included) |
| Battery Support |
3S / 4S |
| Airframe Material |
Lightweight EPS foam |
| Landing Gear |
Removable and steerable semi-scale landing gear |
| Stock Number |
ZOHO229001 / ZOHO229002 |
Flying Characteristics
In the air, the Horten Ho 229 feels quick, smooth, and capable for such a compact EDF. The twin 35mm fan setup gives the model strong acceleration and a lively feel, while the flying-wing layout creates a different experience from a traditional sport plane or park flyer.
The Ho 229 carries speed well and feels stable once in the air, with smooth tracking and a connected feel through turns. It is not twitchy or unpredictable, but it does respond more directly than a typical trainer-style micro-class aircraft model, which adds to the sense of precision and control, especially when using the optional differential thrust setup.
Roll response is crisp without feeling overly aggressive, and the model benefits from sensible control throws for the first few flights while you get familiar with its handling. Once dialed in, the Ho 229 becomes the kind of aircraft that encourages repeat flights. It is compact enough to take anywhere, yet different enough to stand out every time it leaves the runway.
Who This Plane Suits Best
If you have some experience flying sport models or smaller EDF aircraft, the Horten Ho 229 offers a more distinctive step into compact jet performance. Its unique flying-wing layout, responsive handling, and compact size make it an appealing choice for pilots looking for something different without moving into a large or complex EDF platform.
This plane suits the pilot who wants identity, not sameness. If your hangar already has enough normal-looking small foam models and ordinary micro jets, the CNHL AviNationRC Horten Ho 229 makes immediate sense. It brings a completely different silhouette, a more unusual ownership story, and enough real performance to justify taking it out more than once just for the shape.
The Ho 229 is a weaker fit for someone who wants the calmest and most forgiving first plane possible. It can fly naturally well without a gyro-based setup, but the layout, the response, and the overall concept still place it closer to an enthusiast-minded buy than a generic beginner trainer.
Flying Setup and Gear Options
The Horten Ho 229 gives pilots two practical ways to take off and land, either with landing gear installed or in a clean hand-launch configuration. Both setups work well, and the choice comes down to how and where you prefer to fly.
Running the model without landing gear keeps the airframe lighter and cleaner underneath, making hand launches and belly landings simple and effective. This setup suits grass fields or open flying areas where a smooth runway is not available.
For pilots flying from paved surfaces, the removable landing gear adds another level of realism, allowing for takeoffs and landings on wheels while maintaining the aircraft’s distinctive flying-wing appearance. The landing gear is also steerable, which adds practical ground handling for runway use.
One important setup feature is the lower vertical fin fitted underneath the airframe. While not scale to the original aircraft, it plays an important role in stability and overall flight performance. A clear fin keeps the look more subtle in the air, while the painted option improves visibility and orientation during flight, particularly at distance.
If you plan to fly primarily in hand-launch configuration, you can also leave the steering servo disconnected or remove the steering horn entirely. This creates a cleaner setup underneath the model and gives you the option of keeping the spare 2.2g servo available for future maintenance or replacement needs. The matching spare parts collection for the Horten Ho 229 is the right place to keep bookmarked for long-term ownership.
Battery Setup and Performance Options
Battery choice plays a big role in how the Horten Ho 229 performs, and it gives the model two distinct setup directions. The aircraft supports both 3S and 4S packs, allowing pilots to tailor the flying feel to suit their preference.
It is worth understanding that 3S or 4S does not simply change the aircraft weight. It mainly changes the power and thrust level. With a 3S setup, you would normally need a higher-capacity battery to keep the model balanced correctly, so the final battery weight may be similar to the recommended 4S setup. In practical terms, 3S usually works best in the 750mAh to 900mAh range, while 4S works best in the 450mAh to 750mAh range.
A 3S setup offers the same smooth handling as 4S, just with less thrust for a more scale-speed flying experience. This option suits pilots who want the Ho 229 to feel smoother, less aggressive, and closer to a more restrained flying style while still keeping the aircraft properly balanced.
The Ho 229 uses XT30 plugs and works best with compact 4S packs in the 450mAh to 750mAh range. We recommend the CNHL MiniStar HV 550mAh 15.2V 4S 70C or the CNHL Lightning LiHV 750mAh 15.2V 4S 120C HV battery pack with XT30 for the best performance setup, offering a strong balance of power, weight, and flight duration while bringing out the aircraft’s full EDF character.
For a more scale-speed 3S setup, the CNHL Lightning LiHV 750mAh 11.4V 3S 120C HV battery with XT30 is recommended. It gives pilots a smoother power delivery option while staying within the setup logic needed for this compact twin-EDF flying wing.
For initial flights on the recommended 4S setup, a timer around 3 minutes 30 seconds is a sensible starting point. Stretching toward 4 minutes may be possible depending on throttle use, but shorter timing provides a safer baseline while getting familiar with the model.
If you are looking for compatible power options for the Ho 229, browse the dedicated Horten Ho 229 battery collection for recommended packs or explore the full CNHL LiPo battery chargers range for suitable charging solutions.
Differential Thrust and Control Options
One of the more interesting features of the Ho 229 is its support for differential thrust. When enabled and set up on your transmitter, it adds additional yaw control and can expand the aircraft’s overall handling capabilities, giving pilots another level of control and making the model even more engaging to fly.
At the same time, differential thrust is completely optional. The Ho 229 still flies well using a traditional elevon and throttle setup, making it easy to keep the initial configuration simple and get in the air quickly.
For pilots who enjoy experimenting with setup tuning and flight characteristics, differential thrust provides extra flexibility without adding unnecessary complexity for those who prefer a straightforward setup.
What to Know Before You Buy
The first thing to understand is that this aircraft is thin, compact, and purpose-shaped. That is part of why it looks so good, but it also means ownership should be approached with a little more care than a thick-bodied everyday foamie. It is a better fit for someone who appreciates what the shape offers and is willing to treat the airframe accordingly.
The second thing to understand is that this is not a BNF shortcut purchase. It is a PNP airplane, and a suitable micro 4-6 channel receiver is still required. The receiver and battery position also matter because this design is more sensitive to clean setup than a generic high-wing beginner model.
The third thing is simple: do not buy this plane expecting it to behave like a slow, low-pressure trainer. Buy it because you want a compact RC flying wing with real speed, genuine historical character, and a setup that can be tuned either smoother or more aggressive depending on how you want to own it. For setup reference, wiring guidance, and control details, use the official CNHL AviNationRC Horten Ho 229 assembly manual.
Long-Term Ownership Notes
Long term, the CNHL AviNationRC Horten Ho 229 has a better chance than most small EDF models of staying interesting. A normal compact jet can eventually blend into the background once the novelty wears off. The Ho 229 usually does not. The outline is too distinctive, and that alone helps the airplane keep its place in the hangar.
The original box also matters more here than it does on many ordinary aircraft. Because the model is relatively thin and the shape is unusual, proper storage is not just nice to have. It is part of owning the plane well. Keeping the molded internal packaging and using it for transport makes practical sense, especially if you want to preserve the airframe and simplify routine carrying.
The removable and steerable semi-scale landing gear is another part of that long-term flexibility. Some owners will want it installed for runway use and a more complete scale look. Others will prefer to leave it off between flights to simplify storage and keep the airplane easier to pack away. That is not a compromise. It is one of the smarter ownership advantages built into this design.
For maintenance and replacement support, use the dedicated Horten Ho 229 spare parts collection. For a deeper look at how the model fits into the AviNationRC aircraft direction, read the CNHL AviNationRC Horten Ho 229 review.
FAQ
What is the history behind the Horten Ho 229?
The Horten Ho 229 was a German experimental flying-wing aircraft developed during World War II. Its advanced design and unfinished history are a major reason why the aircraft remains so recognizable and widely discussed today.
Was the Horten Ho 229 designed as a bomber?
The Horten Ho 229 was initially designed as a fighter / heavy fighter, with a larger version being considered for a bomber role later. But the fighter version was the only prototype version built and flown. So while terms like “Ho 229 bomber” or “Horten Ho 229 bomber” are common in searches, they are not the most accurate description of the prototype that actually flew.
Does the Horten Ho 229 require a gyro to fly properly?
No. The aircraft is inherently stable by design and does not require a gyro-based setup out of the box. You can still use a gyro receiver if you prefer extra assistance, but the model does not depend on stabilization to fly properly.
Can the Horten Ho 229 be configured under 250g?
Yes. With a battery weighing no more than about 61g, all landing gear components removed, and a suitable lightweight receiver, the Horten Ho 229 can reach a ready-to-fly weight below 250g depending on the receiver used.
What battery setup is recommended for the Horten Ho 229?
The recommended setup for the AviNationRC 35mm Horten is 4S. The CNHL MiniStar HV 550mAh 15.2V 4S 70C is a good lighter 4S option, while the CNHL Lightning LiHV 750mAh 15.2V 4S 120C HV battery with XT30 gives longer duration and a stronger EDF character. For a smoother scale-speed 3S setup, the CNHL Lightning LiHV 750mAh 11.4V 3S 120C HV pack is recommended. You can find compatible options in the Horten Ho 229 battery collection.
Can the Horten Ho 229 be flown without landing gear installed?
Yes. The aircraft was designed to work well in a hand-launch and belly-land configuration, making it practical for grass fields and areas without paved runways.
Is the lower vertical stability fin required?
Yes. The lower fin is required for proper flight stability. Pilots can choose between the clear version for a cleaner appearance or the painted version for improved in-flight visibility and orientation.
What does differential thrust add to the Horten Ho 229?
Differential thrust adds additional yaw control and expands the aircraft’s handling capabilities, while still remaining completely optional for pilots who prefer a simpler setup.
What flight timer should I start with?
On the recommended 550-750mAh 4S setup, a starting timer of around 3 minutes 30 seconds is recommended before adjusting based on flying style and throttle use.
Where can I find compatible batteries, chargers, spare parts, and the manual?
Use the Horten Ho 229 battery collection, CNHL LiPo battery chargers, Horten Ho 229 spare parts collection, and the Horten Ho 229 assembly manual for batteries, charging support, replacement parts, and setup guidance.
