Radio controlled helicopters or RC helicopters are toy aircraft that can be flown by using a radio to operate the controls. These helicopters can be large or small model craft used for military purposes or entertainment. RC helicopters differ from RC aeroplanes in construction, aerodynamics and training.
RC helicopters can be manoeuvred easily by controlling the collective and throttle, and the cyclic controls, which are the pitch and roll and the yaw (tail rotor). RC helicopters can hover and fly backwards unlike aeroplanes.
Usually methanol powered two-stroke motors are used for the engines. Sometimes gasoline is also used. Another option is an electric motor with very efficient lithium polymer batteries. Electric RC helicopters are gaining popularity as a cheaper option.
RC helicopters are made of plastic, glass-reinforced plastic, aluminium or carbon-fibre and the blades are made of wood, carbon-fibre or fibreglass. The parts are included in a kit from which the helicopter can be assembled. The parts are similar to a full-size helicopter and the assembling of the aircraft has to be perfect because even a tiny vibration can cause problems when the helicopter is in flight. Flying a RC helicopter can be difficult initially because you have to get used to the sensitivity of the controls, and the controls have to be adjusted according to any shift in the wind. However, the controls become easier to use with time and practice.
There are RC helicopters available for beginners. There are also mini and micro RC helicopters that are smaller and not as expensive. These models have two or three channels for control. The four-channel helicopters are designed for more serious enthusiasts, who want to learn the precise technique of flying a RC aircraft. The six-channel collective pitch RC helicopters are designed for people who can fly and want to perform exciting stunts like an inverted flight manoeuvre.
There are competitions held every year in aerobatic helicopter flying. The competitions follow the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale rules, which establish the routine of hovering and aerobatics. The 3D flying is freestyle with advanced aerobatics decided by the organisers. The two most well-known competitions in the world are the 3D Masters in the UK and the eXtreme Flight Championship (XFC) in the USA.
RC helicopters are used by hobbyists and professionals alike. They can be used for aerial photography or inspection and some RC helicopters are manufactured with these criteria in mind. As a hobby, they may be slightly expensive and challenging to operate at first, but with adequate practice, flying a RC helicopter can become an extremely enjoyable pastime.
Buy on Dealtime:
