RC Model Plane for Indoor Flight
Pilots can now fly their RC model aircraft year round
Pilots have enjoyed RC model plane flight for years. With the introduction of practical radio control equipment in the 1960s, the popularity of RC model airplane flight has steadily increased over the years. Technology is the driver behind just about all new developments in the RC hobby.
Kraft RC gear from 1970s - for heavy gas models only
The primary requirement for RC flight is suitable electronics gear to control a model plane from the ground. In addition to guidance electronics, engines needed to be affordable, powerful and lightweight. The glow plug is a perfect example of technology that rapidly transitioned the hobby from spark ignition gas motors to more efficient two cycle glow engines. Model airplane construction materials evolved with the common use of fiberglass and cyanoacrylate instant glues. Spread spectrum 2.4 GHz radios permit interference free RC model plane flight. Home computers are powerful enough for truly useful RC flight simulation programs that allow even experienced pilots to learn and perfect acrobatic maneuvers.
Low cost RC micro equipment
The most recent steps in the evolution of RC model plane technology have lead to the widespread introduction of low cost ready to fly models that use the smallest radio gear imaginable. RTF manufacturing technology permits the sale of a complete RC foam aircraft, to include a transmitter with a built in charger, for under $40. These two channel wonders fly well and include such examples as the Piloto, Aero Ace and Cyclone indoor RC model planes.
Today's micro RC gear on Ember - key to indoor flight
Since the beginnings of RC flight, pilots had to fly outdoors due to the size of the RC model and the universal requirement for gas engine power. Early model aircraft electric motors and their heavy batteries ensured marginal electric RC plane performance. Petite radio control models were flown at this time, but the use of smaller gas engines usually provided a fast flying model that needed an experienced pilot on the control sticks.
Indoor electric RC flight for everyone
The combination of affordable and light weight ready to fly indoor model airplanes with advanced four channel micro electronics resulted in a new breed of RC model aircraft that make indoor flying a reality. Electric motors allow indoor models to be flown at very slow and enjoyable airspeeds. Model plane designers can now increase a model’s wing area as desired to provide specific indoor RC model plane flight characteristics, knowing that a suitable electric motor power package can be matched to the model’s performance. You can even pilot a RTF flying saucer.
ParkZone micro RC equipment on Finch
Indoor RC model plane electric motors and compact electronics packages are so capable that for the first time micro indoor RC model planes can be built at home. Typically, the need to keep total weight to an absolute minimum with a small indoor RC model made constructing one of these specialized aircraft feasible for only the most dedicated and careful builders. ParkZone produces a geared electric motor, combined with a lightweight 120 milliamp lipo battery that allows a much wider range of indoor RC model planes to be designed and constructed at home.
Make your own indoor RC model
I have built and flown two indoor RC models with the ParkZone equipment, the LiddleRod and the Finch. See the Finch’s build log for exact part numbers of all the ParkZone electronics. Both the LiddleRod and the Finch weigh around 1.1 ounces. Based on the capabilities of both aircraft, I think an indoor slow flyer with a weight of up the three ounces is completely achievable.
CAD plan of Finch nose section
With the known ParkZone power and electronics suite and the ability to design an indoor RC model plane below a target weight of up to three ounces, a large range of RC model subjects become available. Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs such as TurboCAD allow rapid preparation of construction plans. These small indoor flyers build up quickly with a minimum of materials.
As you combine the ease of RC model plane design via TurboCAD to the affordable ParkZone electronics, you can quickly produce a fleet of unique RC model planes. The dimensions of the Finch (download a set of free full size CAD plans here) are ideal for a wide range of future semi-scale designs. Through the magic of binding, one can fly each of these new planes with just a single transmitter, such as the Spektrum DX6i, to produce even further savings.