Great Planes Model Manufacturing of Champaign, Illinois, USA, is among the world's largest R/C manufacturers and distributors as part of Hobbico, Incorporated.
The company was founded in 1982 by mechanical engineer Don Anderson in response to what were, at the time, poorly made radio control aircraft kits.
Prior to the company's founding, no machinery specifically for cutting model aircraft parts had ever been designed. Great Planes became the first company of its type to create such machines which utilized computer-aided drafting to create airframes with interlocked construction.
Fully framed and sheeted almost ready-to-fly models were now possible. One of Great Planes' recent offerings, a scale Ryan STA sheeted in their trademark MonoKote® covering, is flight ready after only fifteen hours of assembly.
Further assisting the company in their product development is Great Planes' in-house research and development team, comprised of active hobbyists, experienced builders and champion R/C pilots.
In addition to a line of aircraft kits, Great Planes also markets a line of hardware and accessories for radio controlled models in general.