Fly a Model Airplane via Radio Control Flight
Wide range of affordable, well flying RC model airplanes for indoor flight
Free flight model airplane from 1908
Flying model airplanes has been a hobby pursued by enthusiasts since the earliest days of manned powered flight. The initial flying models were rubber band powered free flight designs. Limited by the heavy building materials of the day, these aircraft offered restricted flight performance.
Technology paces advances in the range and performance of full scale aircraft. The capabilities of model airplanes match these dramatic improvements. Perhaps the most important contributor to efficient flight for any aircraft, whether full size or a model, is achieving as light a weight as possible. A low aircraft target weight can be achieved by a combination of design techniques and materials.
Modelers quickly employed balsa wood and light plywood for the majority of their designs. Balsa and ply come in a wide range of densities that allow them to be used on a broad range of model aircraft, from micro indoor flyers to large quarter scale projects. Balsa and plywood are easy to cut and shape, and accept a variety of glues to ensure a strong structure.
Gas powered free flight model from the 1930s
Power systems
Power systems are perhaps the most important aspect of aircraft development. The introduction of small practical gas engines in the 1930s allowed for the first time the construction larger free flight model planes. These larger airframes were required to support the substantial vibration and weight of these early motors.
The bigger free flight gas model airplanes were an ideal bridge to accommodate the early vacuum tube radio control sets first being built in the late 1930s. These early RC aircraft were essentially free flight designs gently guided by a rudder. During these pioneering days, simply landing a model in the same vicinity as the takeoff with minimal aircraft damage was considered a resounding success.
Everyone flew the Cox PT-19 U-control trainer
Model aircraft development took a pause during World War II, but returned with renewed enthusiasm in the late 1940s. Radio control gear was still too expensive and exotic for the average modeler, thus the keen interest in more affordable U-control flight. Technology continued its relentless advance, and practical radio control gear appeared during the 1970s for the everyday RC pilot.
Scale model of a WW-I Nieuport fighter
The advent of affordable radio control hardware set the stage for the gradual evolution of model airplanes over the next several decades. Modelers continued to refine their design and building skills, resulting in the common appearance of high performance aerobatic and scale flying aircraft. Methods of construction did not change all that much from earlier years, employing for the most part balsa and plywood with the gradual introduction of fiberglass parts. The average RC model plane lineup did not change all that much during this time.
Foam ready to fly T-28 Trojan
Ready to fly models
Starting shortly after the year 2000, a speedy transformation began in the world of model aviation. Manufacturers perfected design and production techniques for high quality, ready to fly RC models. For the first time, modelers were not faced with the requirement to build everything that they flew. The smaller micro models suitable for indoor flight allowed for flying year round. Electric ready to fly foam aircraft became common for outdoor flight. Bind and fly technology permitted multiple airplanes for a single transmitter. 2.4 GHz transmitter technology permitted for more flight time when at the flying field.
RTF Mosquito fighter from Horizon Hobby
When comparing radio control model airplanes “then” and “now,” the immediate difference is the quantity of flying machines. It is not at all uncommon today to see an RC pilot with over ten aircraft at the flying field. The majority of these are ready to fly versions, often the same aircraft type as with other modelers.
Electric power is enjoying increased acceptance with RC pilots everywhere. Until the advent of practical, lightweight lipo batteries and the newer brushless electric motors, gas engines reigned supreme with modelers. Gas engines could be balky to start and operate, and required extensive fuel proofing of the airframe.
Electric motors
Electric motors solve all the headaches associated with model aircraft gas engines. Electric motors start instantly, run silently, produce no vibration and can be manufactured in any size from the tiniest motors for indoor micro models to hefty electric power plants for the largest model aerobatic aircraft.
What lies in the future for radio control model aviation? That is anyone’s guess. But I would venture we will see less expensive RTF models; a greater variety of complex micro indoor flyers; the introduction of advanced lightweight composite construction materials and more compact electronics. In short, more fun at less cost to the RC pilot. It truly is a great time to be in the radio control hobby.