History, Design, and Our 1:24 Scale 3D Printable Model
The Tupolev G-5 occupies a unique place in naval history as one of the most distinctive fast attack craft of the interwar and early Second World War period. Designed in the early 1930s by the Tupolev Design Bureau, the G-5 was the Soviet Union’s answer to the growing demand for high-speed torpedo boats capable of striking larger surface vessels and withdrawing before retaliation. Built primarily from duralumin, the same lightweight alloy used in aircraft construction, the G-5 reflected its aviation heritage in both material choice and overall design philosophy.
Compact, aggressively streamlined, and extraordinarily fast for its time, the G-5 was capable of speeds exceeding 50 knots under ideal conditions, making it one of the fastest military vessels of its era. It carried its torpedoes externally, launched rearward from open cradles—a bold and unconventional solution that allowed the hull to remain slim and hydrodynamically efficient. Over its service life, the G-5 appeared in numerous configurations, with variations in armament, deck equipment, crew layout, and superstructure, adapting to changing combat requirements throughout the 1930s and into World War II.
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Despite its impressive speed, the G-5 was not without limitations. Its light construction made it sensitive to rough seas, and its operational range was relatively short. Nevertheless, in coastal operations, surprise attacks, and swarm tactics, the G-5 proved to be a formidable platform. Today, it remains an iconic example of early high-speed naval engineering and a fascinating subject for model builders and naval enthusiasts alike.
The 3D Model: Design Philosophy and Scale
Our Tupolev G-5 3D printable model is created at approximately 1:24 scale, resulting in a finished length of around 80 cm. From the outset, the model was designed from scratch, not adapted from scans or simplified geometry, with a strong emphasis on clean structure, logical assembly, and RC compatibility. While the scale offers presence and realism, the build itself is intentionally kept approachable.
The main hull consists of only six primary parts, carefully engineered with internal alignment bosses that make positioning precise and assembly straightforward. These bosses allow parts to self-locate while adhesive cures, significantly reducing the frustration often associated with long hull assemblies. The largest hull piece measures approximately 270 × 155 × 60 mm, keeping all major components well within the capabilities of standard desktop 3D printers.
Once the hull is complete, builders may choose how far to take the project. The model includes over 180 optional accessory parts, all modeled using historically accurate references from multiple periods of the G-5’s operational life. These accessories are not required for the core build and are intended to be added selectively, allowing the model to remain simple or become highly detailed at the builder’s own pace.
A period-correct torpedo model is included, completing the visual identity of the vessel and allowing for an authentic display configuration.
RC-Ready by Design
Unlike many display-only models, this G-5 has been engineered with radio-controlled operation in mind from the beginning. Both rudders are functional, with prepared mounting locations, servo positions, and control-rod paths integrated directly into the hull geometry. Multiple drive layouts are supported, allowing builders to install single or dual motor setups depending on their preferred level of realism and performance.
Waterproofing has been carefully considered throughout the design. Drainage paths, protected wiring routes, and hull geometry intended to simplify sealing are built into the structure. The boat’s large central deck hatch, present on the real vessel, is fully removable and serves as the primary access point to the interior. In addition, the sail and two deck sections can also be configured as removable hatches, providing exceptional access for batteries, electronics, and maintenance—an uncommon feature in models of this type.
A Builder-Focused Experience
While the Tupolev G-5 itself was an aggressive, high-performance military craft, this model is intended to be a builder’s dream rather than an intimidating project. The core structure is simple and robust, the optional detailing allows for gradual progression, and the RC-ready layout eliminates much of the guesswork typically involved in functional conversions.
Whether completed as a clean display model highlighting the G-5’s iconic silhouette, or developed into a fast, capable RC torpedo boat, this project offers a rewarding balance of historical authenticity, mechanical logic, and hands-on craftsmanship—bringing one of the most fascinating small combat vessels of the 20th century back to life through modern digital fabrication.
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