Meng Lee

Types of Radio Control helicopters

Although mostly grouped with radio control aircrafts, radio control helicopters fall in their own class considering the pool of difference that they display in terms of construction, flight training, aerodynamics and much more.

The currently available radio control helicopters are divided into different categories based on their power source. These include electric batteries, gasoline, petrol, gas turbines and nitro, also known as glow fuel, which powers the helicopter through internal combustion of nitro methane-methanol. The most recent addition are the electric powered type, which have so far developed quite rapidly and are quite common, surpassing the popularity of the nitro radio control helicopters. With gas-turbine also increasing in popularity, their high cost of purchase and maintenance puts them out of reach for many RC helicopter lovers.

Nitro powered helicopters come in a number of sizes indicated by numbers: size 15, 30, 50, 60 and size 90. These numbers indicate the engine size used in the different models available. The bigger the size, the more powerful the engine, then the bigger the rotor blade and hence the bigger the plane it can fly. The maximum height that the RC helicopter can operate is only limited to the controller’s visibility.

The earliest models of the electric powered helicopter were introduced in the mid 90’s. Current advancements in terms of battery technology have so far made electric flying more possible on the basis of flight duration. Lithium polymer batteries are able to provide higher current for better performance and are still quite light, with flight durations of between 4 to 12 minutes. This has enabled the creation of larger electric radio control helicopters which are today very popular. Their nature as very quiet gadgets allows flights around residential areas. With continuous advancement in technology, several models have come up with smaller remote controls, smaller cells and with the highest levels of efficiency. The most recent innovation within the electric radio control helicopter is the coaxial electric helicopters. Its inherent stability has made it a favorable candidate for designing of smaller models that can be used by beginners. These types of models eliminate possible rotational torque as well as extremely high control response. Though they are quite high in terms of stability, coaxial electric aircrafts are quite limited in terms of forward speed. In most models, the collective pitch of the blade cannot be controlled and the cyclic control may only be applied to the bottom router. A simple aim to cub resistance will result in upward motion as opposed to forward thrust. Other designs of the coaxial type are available in the market, and radio control helicopter users can expect more with the level of competition that has so far been displayed. Still, technology has allowed more complex additions to the radio control helicopters. 

Article Tags: Radio Control Helicopters, Radio Control, Control Helicopters

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