Gourt Home::Gourt :: Radio-controlled helicopter
Radio controlled (RC) helicopters are model aircraft which are unique from RC airplanes because of the differences in construction, aerodynamics, and flight training. Several basic designs of RC helicopters exist, some more maneuverable than others (such as helicopters with collective pitch). The more maneuverable designs are often harder to fly, but benefit from greater aerobatic capabilities.
Flight controls allow pilots to control the collective and throttle (usually linked together), the cyclic controls (pitch and roll), and the tail rotor (yaw). Controlling these in unison enables the helicopter to perform most of the maneuvers an aeroplane can do, and many that aeroplanes cannot do.
RC helicopters can range in price from £50 to £3000.
An advanced form of RC helicopter flying is called 3D. During 3D flying, helicopters perform advanced aerobatics in a freestyle form. There are a number of 3D competitions around the world, two of the best known are the 3D Masters in the UK and the eXtreme Flight Championship (XFC) in the USA.
Commercial applications
Although RC helicopters are generally used by hobbyists for recreational purposes, they are sometimes used in applications such as aerial photography, filming, and remote observation or inspection. Some companies make RC helicopters specifically for these uses.
External links
- Radd's School of Rotary Flight - A guide to flying RC helicopters.
- RC helicopter links directory.
- helifreak - An RC helicopter forum.
- Runryder - Another RC helicopter forum.
- Matt Botos - A highly-ranked US RC helicopter pilot.
- Video of Alan Szabo - Another highly-ranked US RC helicopter pilot.
"Radio-controlled helicopter"