Abstract: Model flight test is one of the important methods in aerodynamic research.In recent years,model flight test of powered aircraft with autonomous control has become a low-cost,low-risk and effective technical approach for aerodynamic research and for demonstration and validation of aerodynamic configuration.In this paper we introduce the development tendency and typical application of foreign model flight tests.The newly-built model flight test platform of CARDC (China Aerodynamics Research and Development Center )is presented with its basic components and key technologies.In the end,we propose the development directions in the future.