| Electric RC helicopters are radio controlled helicopters | | | | the model. The higher the number, the larger the |
| that are not only popular with children but also with | | | | engine; this means more power to turn larger rotor |
| adults. Thee model aircrafts are different in terms of | | | | blades which in turn equates to a bigger over all size |
| the aerodynamics, the training required to fly them and | | | | of the helicopter. |
| their construction from RC airplanes. These helicopters | | | | Electric: even though electric RC helicopters are a |
| are available in various designs each with varying | | | | fairly recent introduction in the market, they have |
| levels of complexity. However, complexity of design, | | | | gained astounding popularity and are now seen more |
| like in the case of collective pitch aircrafts, also means | | | | commonly than the nitro powered models. Thee |
| better maneuverability and aerobatic capabilities. The | | | | models use lithium polymer batteries for power which |
| design, features and the control surfaces of these | | | | provide the high voltage required to sustain flight during |
| small models are analogues with those of full size | | | | aerobatic maneuvers without increasing the weight of |
| helicopters. | | | | the model. Depending on the size of the aircraft and |
| The flight controls of radio controlled helicopters include | | | | the type of battery used, these helicopters can stay in |
| controls for the collective and the throttle which are | | | | the air for 4 to 12 minuets. |
| usually linked together, control for the tail rotor | | | | Even though electric recreational aircraft models have |
| responsible for yawing and control for the cyclic that is | | | | been available for quite a few years, they were |
| responsible for the pitch and roll movements. | | | | primarily used indoors due to limited power, small size |
| Small servo motors are used to affect these controls. | | | | and no exhaust fumes. But the newer generations of |
| The engines used to power radio controlled helicopters | | | | electric RC helicopters are quiet and have more agility |
| are usually two stroke motors that use methanol, but | | | | for aerobatic maneuvers. |
| the newer versions have brushless motors that need | | | | You can convert nitro powered radio controlled |
| a lithium polymer battery. You can also find engines | | | | helicopters into electric powered models with the help |
| powered by gasoline or jet turbine fuel in some | | | | of home made kits. These models are typically made |
| models. | | | | from plastic, aluminum, glass reinforced plastic or |
| Two of the most popular versions of radio controlled | | | | carbon fiber. The rotor blades are made from |
| helicopters are ones that are electric or nitro powered. | | | | fiberglass wood or carbon fiber. You have to be |
| Their low cost coupled with better performance is the | | | | particularly careful while assembling these aircrafts |
| reason for their immense popularity. You can buy | | | | because helicopters are more susceptible to vibrations |
| these electric RC helicopters in kits available from | | | | than fixed wing aircrafts. |
| various manufacturers and it takes between 5 to 20 | | | | Apart from the recreational aspect involved in the use |
| hours to assemble them. | | | | of these small electric RC helicopters, they can also be |
| Nitro: These models use a combination or nitro ethanol | | | | used for low altitude photography, remote inspection |
| and methanol for internal combustion. They are | | | | and observation, policing and filming. As a matter of |
| available in various sizes ranging from 15 to 90; | | | | fact, several models of radio controlled helicopters are |
| however these numbers are not indicative of the rotor | | | | specifically designed for these purposes. |
| span but rather they stand for the nitro engine used in | | | | |