Meng Lee

Types of RC helicopters

A Radio-controlled helicopter, also known as an RC helicopter is a model type aircraft that is quite distinct from the normal RC airplanes.

One way of distinguishing the various RC helicopter types is by the powering mechanism used for a specific helicopter. The most common powering systems for RC helicopters include nitro, which chemically is referred to as nitro methane-methanol, gas turbines, electric batteries, gasoline and petrol. The mechanical layout used in all RC helicopter types is the cyclic/collective pitch mixing. The CCPM layout is advantageous as it helps to reduce mechanical complexity and also increases precision when controlling the rotor’s swash plate.

The swash plate is a component used to translate input through the flight controls and converts them into motion for the main rotor blades.

Apart from the CCMP, other components of the mechanical layout include coaxial electronic rotors and fixed-pitch electric rotors.

Nitro RC helicopters are designed with different engine sizes. The greater the engine size, the more powerful it is. The more powerful the engine is, the larger the rotor blade it can put into motion and therefore, the bigger the plane it can carry. A nitro-based RC helicopter can report a flight time of between 7 to 14 minutes, a time span that is made possible by tuning as well as engine size. However, the maximum height at which an RC helicopter can operate is limited to the controller’s capability and the range of operation from the radio transmitter.

The electric RC helicopter is also a common type of the RC helicopters that has is designed to use batteries for its power system. The latest advancements in the battery industry have made electric flying for RC helicopters and aircrafts in general. With the need to have high performing aircrafts in play, high performing batteries have so far become a necessity. Lithium Polymer batteries have so far proven to be able to meet the current requirements in terms of power. Another advantage is that they contribute very little in terms of weight to the overall air craft. The latest additional technology to the electric powered RC helicopter technology is the coaxial aircraft. Its basic stability has over its existence made it a considerable for smaller models best used for beginners. However, with one of the best stabilities, the coaxial types can only be flown with limited forward speed considering that most of the models have fixed pitch.

There is much to look forward to in the RC helicopter industry and hobbyists and toy lovers have much to choose from considering all the available options.

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