Remote-controlled aircraft are very popular with young people and adults alike. They are sometimes very complex and more than just a toy. Smaller models are specially designed for indoor flying, while most models are designed for outdoor use.

What’s a remote-controlled plane?

Remote-controlled aircrafts are model aircrafts with real flight characteristics. The radio remote controls control the model’s rudders and engines (except gliders) in flight, which then initiate take-off and climb, cornering, descent and landing. There are very lifelike replicas of real models, but this is not the case with all models. You will also find simple sport planes, which have one or more propellers (correspondingly so many engines). Very popular are the replicas of fighter jets, which are equipped with propellers or impellers. Impellers are propellers encased in a housing, which also allow internal installation in the model and are used especially for jet models. Reproductions from military and civil aviation are widely available from most manufacturers. Remote-controlled gliders are a special type, which can additionally be equipped with an auxiliary engine (motor glider, motor glider).

Functionality of a remote-controlled aircraft

A remote-controlled plane is a real aircraft. It usually requires a motor to reach the required speed. If the flow velocity at the Wings high enough, it starts to fly.

Like real airplanes it needs to steer rudders. Depending on the model, there are controllable rudders, ailerons and elevators:

• A deflection of the rudder causes a turning flight to the left or

right.

• The actuation of the elevator causes the aircraft to climb or sink (incline or descent of the longitudinal axis).
• The ailerons allow rotation around the longitudinal axis or tilting.

Remote control can be used to send radio commands to the model, which is why they are also called RC aircraft. RC stands for Radio Control and designates the control or operation via radio commands. A receiver receives the signals and then controls the servo motors, which execute the commands accordingly and adjust the rudders. On engine models, the remote control also regulates the engine speed. Electric and internal combustion engines are available as motors. Due to the continuous development of electric motors and the associated battery technology, electric motors have largely replaced combustion engines in professional model sports, where stronger performance is required.

The individual components

In addition to the flight model itself, some components belong to a complete model ready for flight.

The radio remote control

The radio remote control allows the user to send “commands” to the model. Two joysticks are available for this purpose, which can be moved horizontally and vertically. This allows sensitive dosing of the control commands for the rudder and the engine control. Depending on model and function other operating elements may also be present, for example a switch for a retractable undercarriage. A channel is always required for each function. Therefore the transmitters have several channels, whereby at least a 3-channel control is already recommended with motor models. Of course, controls with more channels enable a multitude of functions and rudders to be controlled. This makes it much easier to control a remote controlled aircraft, but it becomes more difficult for beginners to control the aircraft. A stall usually results in the crash of the model, as with real airplanes, especially if this occurs at a lower altitude.

Frequencies and frequency ranges

Various frequency ranges are available for RC model sports. For some time now, certain channels in the 27 MHz, 35 MHz and 40 MHz frequency bands have been permitted in Germany. It is important to note that the 35 MHz range is only permitted for model aircraft. This increases safety, because users of other RC models, for example remote-controlled cars or ships, cannot interfere with the frequencies of the aircraft models. The 2.4 GHz range has not yet been approved for RC models for so long. At the same time, the transmission and reception technology in this area has improved. Depending on the transmitter, a free unoccupied channel is now automatically searched for. In addition, the transmitter and receiver are precisely matched to each other so that another remote control can no longer control the model.

The recipient

A receiver must of course match the transmitter used in terms of frequency range and transmission channel. It needs a power supply, which is usually provided by the model battery. It receives the signals from the transmitter. and controls the connected servos or controllers for motor control accordingly. At the same time it supplies the connected servos or controllers with power.

The engine

Electric and combustion engines are available for remote-controlled aircraft. However, most “hobby pilots” prefer the electric motor. No petrol mixture is needed, the noise nuisance is significantly lower and there are also no exhaust fumes. Combustion engines are almost only used by professionals who, for example, equip significantly larger and thus heavier models. The power of modern electric motors (e.g. brushless motors) is completely sufficient for most users. Combustion engines also have the disadvantage that they require preheating and must be started. An electric motor, on the other hand, works at the push of a button if the required current (charged battery) is available.

Servomotors (Servos)

Almost all RC models require movement. Be it to adjust the steering of an RC car, to adjust the rudder of an RC boat or to operate the rudder of a remote controlled airplane. This task is performed by small electric servomotors, the servos. They are available in different sizes and with different actuating forces. A combustion engine also needs a servo so that the power is controlled via a throttle lever.

The speed controller or speed governor

Unlike combustion engines, electric motors are not controlled by a servo. You need a controller that controls the voltage of the electric motor. These controllers, also referred to as speed controllers or speed governors, are available as follows for different voltages. For RC cars and some RC boats, they also allow reverse driving, which is of course superfluous for a remote-controlled aircraft.

Battery technology (accumulator)

Batteries are energy storage devices. They are repeatedly rechargeable and provide the required power for RC models. Often they are also located in the radio remote controls. By connecting several cells together, the desired voltage is achieved, for example 6 x 1.2 Volt cells result in a battery pack with 7.2 V. The voltage for rechargeable batteries is given in volts, the capacitance is given in

in mAh. Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) accumulators with low self-discharge are often used for RC models, for example the Kraftmax Racing Pack. In addition to the required connector plug, the weight and, of course, the dimensions of the battery must also be taken into account when using remote-controlled aircraft.

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Tip:

Batteries must be recharged after use. A charger is required for this purpose. Professionals use special chargers, which also allow the care, the measurement of the capacity and sometimes even a regeneration of older batteries.

Different versions

Remote-controlled aircraft are available individually or in sets in which (depending on the type of model) many or all of the required components are already included:

• RTF models are practically ready to go. RTF means “ready for fly” and therefore remote control, receiver and everything else is already included in this set. nothing must be assembled or still procured.
• PNP stands for plug and play. Here you still have to put your hand on some parts which are not mounted yet. Often the remote control, receiver or batteries still have to be purchased for this version.
• ARF means almost ready to fly. They are almost finished, except for light assembly work or the charger for the batteries.
• BNF (bind and fly) must be bound to the corresponding remote control before the flight.
• RTB means “ready to bind” and refers to remote-controlled aircraft which still require a receiver and transmitter.

model types

Practically all types of aircraft are available as models, which are also available in real. In addition, there are many models which are not based on any models. Apart from the large models, which are built and controlled by experienced professionals, the small models are more interesting for beginners. The favourites here are biplanes, motor planes and jets. Many of these remote-controlled aircraft are made of stable polystyrene (moulded foam), which is an advantage especially for children. They significantly reduce the risk of injury and cause virtually no damage even in the event of a crash:

• Slowflyers already fly at slow speeds. They are easy to master and are also suitable for children from 6 years. Such a remote controlled aircraft can even be flown in large rooms or hangars. Outdoor use is also possible, but there should be almost no wind.
• Military planes are very popular. The fan community is divided into current fighter jets and bomber or older planes from World War II. For example, F-117 Nighthawk. For the jets, the impellers are available next to the propeller, which is usually mounted at the rear as a pressure propeller. This is a jacketed propeller with motor. Due to the housing it looks very similar to a jet engine of the real jets. Real jet engines are actually used by the professionals for their models. However, their use is only possible under numerous conditions.
• Scale models are detailed copies of real models. The focus here was on fidelity to the original. These remote controlled aircrafts usually have very good flight characteristics.
• Shock flyers are characterized by their low weight. They are suitable for aerobatics (3-D flight model) and can be intercepted very well in case of stall.

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FPV passive and active

FPV stands for “first person view” and is performed with the help of a camera. With a passive system, the camera films the flight. The video material obtained in this way can then be viewed later and shows the flight practically from the “I perspective”, as if the user himself were sitting in the model. With an active FPV, the video images are sent to a receiver in real time. This allows the user to control the model using the video images. Small monitors or video glasses are used for image evaluation. It is important to note that the active FPV is equipped with two transmitters, the radio remote control and the video image transmission. In order to avoid mutual interference, different frequency ranges should be selected, for example2.4 and 5.8 GHz.

First flight preparation

A remote-controlled aircraft must be thoroughly inspected prior to its first use. Failures or malfunctions in the air can cause the model to crash. A suitable place for the flight must be available. In the case of third-party properties, the express permission of the owner is required! The regional regulations regarding RC aircraft must be observed. There may be no-fly zones near motorways or airports. Batteries in the model, the remote control and possibly for the receiver should be fully charged. The propeller must be checked for tightness. The radio frequency used should be interference-free. The battery should be firmly installed and should not slip during an uncontrolled flight manoeuvre. Keep away from people and animals with the flying model. Especially birds can cross the trajectory surprisingly. But dogs can also come dangerously close to model aircraft taking off or landing. Flights over water surfaces increase the risk of loss in the event of a crash. The functions of the airplane (rudder deflections and engine control) should be tested with the model still standing.

The advantages of remote-controlled aircraft

The enormous fun is in the foreground with all models. It is a great pleasure for fathers to be able to take off, fly and land a plane with their offspring. Therefore a remote controlled airplane is a very popular hobby for young and old. The young generation is taught to understand the technology from an early age, which is associated with a large learning factor. It is also beneficial for fine motor skills to learn to operate a remote-controlled aircraft. This It is a hobby to simply make friends with like-minded people, because this enthusiasm for the different planes unites them.

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Smaller moulded foam models are suitable for younger children as they are overwhelmed with complicated controls. Models with combustion engines are not suitable. Supervise your child during the flight exercises!

Select an aircraft

The selection of different models is large and often makes the choice a pain for the buyer. Therefore, it is very important to consider certain criteria before buying:

1. It is always advisable to choose a good quality. Manufacturers such as Robbe, LRP, Jamara and Graupner have made a name for themselves in the industry through their high quality standards.
2. Think carefully about how big the remote-controlled aircraft may be. Pay attention to the wingspan of the wings. It should in any case be easy to transport in your vehicle.
3. Should it be flown indoors, or are you already looking for something bigger for the open sky?
4. Clarify where you can let the selected model climb at all. Sometimes a membership in a model aircraft club is necessary.
5. Check the charging and flight times of the batteries. Plan replacement batteries for longer flight fun at the same time.

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As an inexperienced pilot of a remote-controlled aircraft, you’d better take a beginner’s model. These do not fly quite so fast and are also smaller in dimensions.

Buy on the Internet or from a specialist retailer?

After all the information you are now certainly wondering where you can find a remote-controlled aircraft in high quality and at a fair price. We will introduce you to two possibilities, decide for yourself! Make a distinction between buying on the Internet and buying in model shops.

Buying on the Internet

Thanks to the many online merchants, you have an enormous selection available to you on the Internet. The large assortment on the Internet makes the purchase of your desired model easy. You can browse the shops to your heart’s content around the clock, this 7 days a week. Another advantage is that travel costs and travel times to the dealer are eliminated. There are also interesting sets available, which can be very attractive in price. In general, the online retailer can discover one or the other bargain. Here you will certainly find your desired remote-controlled aircraft. You do not have to do without fast delivery times and the right of withdrawal. Unfortunately, you cannot take your desired model with you immediately as you would with your local dealer.

The purchase in a specialist shop

A clear advantage of buying a remote-controlled aircraft from a model shop is that you can take the model home with you immediately. In the ideal case you will also find competent employees for a personal consultation. Unfortunately, these specialty stores have become rare, also often the selection leaves much to be desired. You often need luck if you want to find your desired model there in the assortment. Long journeys are sometimes associated with the purchase in the specialist shop. Waiting for advice has frustrated many a buyer. In contrast to online retailers, true bargain prices are rather rare. Returns can cause problems.