In this paper, a simple but realistic approach is presented to predict the as-quenched residual stress distribution in thick 7xxx aluminium alloy plates. Instead of modelling precipitation that occurs during quenching, a thermo-mechanical model is used whose parameters are identified using a limited number of tensile tests achieved after representative interrupted cooling paths in a Gleeble machine. The material behaviour law accounts for recovery at high temperature in a simple way and neglects the Bauschinger effect as suggested by a dedicated experiment. The results of this simple approach are compared to residual stress measurements in plates of different thicknesses for two different 7xxx alloys, AA7449 andAA7040.