Radio-controlled Aircraft Models

Since its inception, mankind has sought to conquer the sky. Looking into the infinite heights, primitive man, just as modern people, fascinated and envied the flight of birds, envied their freedom from the shackles of earthly gravity. Following the creation of mechanisms for movement on the ground, people immediately began to invent devices for flying in the sky. In the early 20th century the Wright brothers realized the dream of mankind and created the first heavier-than-air flying machine. It was called – the airplane. From that moment the rapid development of aviation began, and today thousands of aircraft of various designs and sizes daily traverse the airspace.

Controlling an airplane is very difficult. Only specially trained people-pilots can do it. But many ordinary people would like to hold the steering wheel with their hands, feel like pilots, rush the winged vehicle upward, throw it into a steep dive or make a “dead loop”. Modern technology, designers and manufacturers have given us the opportunity, creating a model of the aircraft at the controls.

To date – this is one of the most widely used toys on the radio-controlling of both children and adults. Although, this complex mechanism, which consists of many different parts and devices, it is hard to call a toy. To meet the needs and demands of fans of radio-controlled model airplanes to the maximum, manufacturers (among them Dynam, FMS, Horizon Hobby, Joysway, Nine Eagles, VolantexRC, WL Toys) constantly expand the range and improve the design of models, embodying the latest achievements of science and technology.

The range of radio-controlled aircraft models strikes with its variety of shapes, sizes, level of complexity, from miniature simple indoor models, finishing with huge models, stuffed with the most complicated electronics and mechanics.

Radio-controlled airplanes are divided into the following classes:

Training

In most cases, these are budget inexpensive radio-controlled aircraft models with simplified design and detailing, which are stable in the air, forgive small mistakes of pilots, quiet and not abrupt in control. They generally have a V-angle wing, which makes them extremely stable in roll. These models are a kind of “desk” for beginners, allowing them to learn how to control the radio-controlled model of the aircraft and improve their skills.

Piloting .

Aimed at more experienced pilots with experience. When designing models of this class in their design are implemented high power and maneuverability. They can perform aerobatics. Models for classical aerobatics, able to perform clearly and accurately the figures of the aerobatics, which make the real aircraft. Models for 3-D aerobatics are also able to perform the difficult stunts that would not be able to real aircraft, such as hanging vertically on the propeller. Often these radio-controlled models are not complete copies of real aircraft.

Copy or half-copy models

These models reproduce, to a certain scale, with varying degrees of replication of prototypes of real-life aircraft. They have a replica coloring, identification marks, and in the cockpit sits the figure of the pilot. They are equipped with operating mechanisms for retracting and extending landing gear, flaps, burning navigation lights, and working wheel brakes. Some models simulate engine noise and the sounds of firing cannons and machine guns. Their flight simulates the flight of real planes which they are copies of as much as possible.

Gliders

Gliders on the radio-control gliders can be motorless and equipped with an engine (motor gliders). Non-motorized gliders are launched into the sky or by throwing a hand (throwing), or using a special winch or model airplane-towing machine. Motor gliders allow you to gain altitude by turning on the auxiliary engine for a short time. Then the engine is switched off and the glider floats using the air currents. Radio-controlled motor gliders are equipped with folding propellers or a pusher propeller, which is very useful for beginner pilots because it protects the propeller from breakage during failed landings. Gliders tend to have low flight speeds, so they are easier to control than motor models. Often a glider or motor glider is used as the first model for training.

According to the position of the wing relative to the fuselage, radio-controlled model airplanes are divided into:

• High gliders – an airplane with the upper arrangement of the wing (located on top of the fuselage). Often these are training models or model-copies of training aircraft.
• Midplanes – an airplane in which the wing occupies an intermediate position, located in the middle of the fuselage on the longitudinal axis of the model. This is characteristic of aerobatic models and allows the aircraft to fly equally well in the normal position and upward with the wheels.
• Low gliders are airplanes with low wing placement in relation to the fuselage, that is, the wing is positioned below the horizontal plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the fuselage. This arrangement is inherent in many replica models of rotary-wing fighters and bombers.

According to the number of wings model airplanes are classified into:

• Monoplane – planes with one pair of wings.
• Biplane – aircraft with two pairs of wings.
• Triplane. – An airplane with three or more pairs of wings.

Modern development of computer technology has greatly simplified the process of learning to control a radio-controlled model of the aircraft through the use of computer flight simulators.

Flight simulators are devices consisting of a special control panel and software. They allow a very realistic simulation of the process of controlling a radio-controlled model aircraft in real conditions. In the program it is possible to select different aircraft models, different flying fields, weather, wind direction and strength and many more parameters. Flight simulator is extremely desirable for training and support of flight skills in the absence of real flights, for learning new figures. It allows you to learn without the risk of crashing a real, often very expensive model.

Radio-controlled aircraft kits:

• RTF – fully packaged and ready to fly right after taking it out of the box or after a little preparation.
• ARF – practically ready to fly. For these models you need to buy some additional components (control equipment, battery);
• KIT – set of parts for assembly. Consists of a set of parts that turn into a complete aircraft after each element is installed in its place. In this case, all electronic stuffing modelers purchase separately, taking into account their requirements to the machine and capabilities.

Based on the above, it is worth deciding in advance what will be of interest to you, especially since the price of radio-controlled model planes will please the true connoisseurs of such toys.

Materials used to manufacture radio-controlled models of aircraft

The largest number of radio-controlled models on the market, made of special modified foams (EPO or EPP). The material Elapor (EPO) differs from the usual foam in a number of ways. It is very light, but also has considerable strength, does not color on a fracture, is more elastic, has a smooth surface. Some firms make models from a special, the lightest on the ground wood-balsa and plywood on its basis. As a rule it is more professional models for masters. Also for the manufacture of individual parts and components are widely used composite materials, fiberglass, carbon fiber, aluminum alloys. Leading model companies in the design and production of aircraft models use the latest computer technology, CNC machines, laser cutting of materials. Therefore, the level of performance and quality of assembly of modern aircraft models of leading firms is very high.

Engine or electric motor?

Most radio-controlled aircraft of different scales, types of radio control and engines, fuselage length and wingspan can amaze the novice aircraft modeler with its variety.

All radio-controlled aircraft models can be divided into two general classes:

• Equipped with an electric motor;
• ICE (internal combustion engine).

Aircraft with an internal combustion engine

Radio-controlled models with internal combustion engines (ICE). Have a mass of 0.7 kg to several tens of kg and are equipped with different types of engines. These are gasoline engines, compression, gauge 2 or 4 stroke engines. The most popular are 1-cylinder glow engines. Turbocharged, in-line, multi-cylinder, rotary and injector engines are very rarely used.

Advantages of the ICE:

• The ability to refuel an unlimited number of times;
• Natural engine sound, exhaust gases which completely imitate a real airplane;
• After fuel depletion the weight of the model is significantly lightened.

Disadvantages of the internal combustion engine:

• Less reliable operation compared to electric motors.
• Certain dependence of settings and motor operation on atmospheric influences.
• Require certain qualifications and skills for their start-up and proper adjustment.
• Much higher noise level, making it difficult to fly in residential areas, special grounds are required.
• The need for additional maintenance before and after the flight, and the need for special equipment for refueling and launch.
• High cost and increased environmental hazards of special fuel.

Radio-controlled flying models with electric motor

Models with electric propulsion systems compare favorably with models with internal combustion engines in ease of launch, reliability, quietness and environmental friendliness. To fly this model aircraft need only a device for recharging and spare onboard batteries. Electric motors are used on different types of radio-controlled models weighing from 7 grams to tens of kilograms. This type of motor exists in two variations: collector and non-collector, it is used with impellers and propellers. Electric regulator supplies power to on-board electronics and allows you to adjust the engine speed from 0 to maximum.

For flying indoors, on small areas, lawns in the park, where there is not much space for flight, small aircraft models parkfliers are used.

These are not complicated models with a span of up to 1 meter, models of small weight with small electric motors, which are safe to launch in crowded places. This class of models enjoys great popularity among fans of radio-controlled aircraft models due to their simplicity and availability.

Most series-produced aircraft models with electric motors weigh from 500 gr. to several kg, and have wingspan from 1 to 2 meters.

Advantages of electric motors:

• External factors do not affect the efficiency of the motor.
• High reliability of operation, easy start-up and regulation.
• Possibility of remote on/off of the motor, which is especially important for motor gliders.
• Absence of noise and ecological purity.
• Absence of special preflight preparation and special care of the engine.
• Great range of power and speed, hence a great variety of models of different sizes, with different flight speeds and functions.
• No change in center of gravity or weight during flight.
• Easy ability to adjust the center of gravity position by moving the batteries.

Disadvantages:

• Lithium polymer batteries require some maintenance.
• Limited flight time per battery, determined by battery capacity.
• Limited number of charge-discharge cycles of batteries.
• Significant dependence of current output efficiency and capacity on ambient temperature.
• Certain time for charging and necessity of special chargers for lithium polymer batteries.

Flying airplane models became something like a hobby today and in order to get real pleasure from the process of their operation, it is necessary to choose a model as oriented as possible on the potential user. Such a toy can be a great option for a gift for a person of any age.