Model Airplanes Explained - From Static to Flying Models

There are two types of model airplanes, a static non-flying model, or a flying model. This is very important to choose right from the beginning, as construction for each type will vary greatly. Of course though, it is possible to turn a static airplane later on into a flying model, you would just need to do a major overhaul and add the necessities to get it into the air.

Model airplanes that fly can usually be placed into one of the three different groups. The first group is free flight, which basically means that the aircraft is built and designed to fly without any attachment to the ground (not even a remote control).

The second group is control line flying, and this method has a cable or two leading from the wing to the pilot. So of course it is not as realistic as a wireless one is, but it ensures your airplane won’t just fly away.

The last group is radio-controlled model airplanes, which are the most intriguing and fun to fly, since you have complete freedom of movement and YOU get to control it.

There are some rc airplanes that resemble real aircraft, just like static models, but are harder considering that since they actually fly you have to continually keep it looking nice and the engine running smoothly.

R/C aircraft though do come in many different types, as there are even remote control birds, dinosaurs, and flying lawn mowers! The various forms that can be accomplished are endless, and make for some pretty interesting looking aircraft.

For free flight model airplanes, an elastic motor is usually used to power them. An elastic motor is simply a rubber band that is wound up very tight before flying, and then released to make the propeller turn. The elastic motor is actually the most widely used engine for model airplanes, and can be found in children’s toys, all the way to professional model aircraft.

The reason the elastic motor is so popular of course, is because of its simplicity and the ability to have a long lifetime. Also, there is no waiting for the battery to charge or having to buy fuel for the engine. Of course the major drawback is that fact that it can only run for a certain amount of time, which depends on how long your rubber band is.

Another simple propulsion method is storing compressed gas, CO2 to be more specific, and having it come out the back to push it along. You could even get real complicated, and have the CO2 power a piston expansion engine. CO2 engines, like elastic motors, are considered cold power, because the engines become cold when running, not hot like fuel powered engines and batteries.

For most hobbyists though, the standard glow engine is the engine they use. A glow engine runs on the same principal as an internal combustion engine that is in your car, but is a very small version of it.

Most commonly used by rc model airplane enthusiasts, are two stroke cycle engines, which use a glow plug to ignite fuel. The fuel is just a mix of slow burning methanol, nitro methane and some kind of oil lubricant. Company’s who make model airplane glow engines, rate their size in terms of engine displacement. The most common sizes range from 0.01 cubic inch to over 1.0 cubic inch.

The simplest, and most beginner friendly models are electric powered model airplanes, which use a battery to power the engine. The speed is controlled through an electronic speed control, which will regulate the output of the motor. Of course the best model airplanes to put an electric motor in, is small and lightweight ones.

If you want a big, heavy airplane, then a glow engine fuel powered airplane is what you want. If you just want a simple small model airplane, then you want an electric rc airplane.

View our great selection of high quality model airplanes that will fit your needs at RC Model Airplanes.

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Flying RC Helicopter

One of the most thrilling experiences you can have is to fly an aircraft on your own. That is, if you can afford to buy your private helicopter or can avail flying school training. But if both of these are far from realization, then you must have an alternative. No, it’s not what you are thinking. You cannot hijack an aircraft! Cut that idea off your mind. What you should be thinking is this: flying a helicopter remotely.

Rc helicopter flying has become a better alternative to flying a real helicopter. It costs less and completely safe from crashing. But that is not all. Rc helicopter flying has become a hobby for those who have the passion on helicopters. (Helicopter owners must have one or several of these at home.) Since rc helicopter flying takes every kids and kids at heart to the closest experience of flying a real helicopter, it is undoubtedly thrilling and exciting experience.

Just think of it this way: you are on the ground holding a radio controller while your rc helicopter is doing its stunts on mid air with you taking full control of its every movement.

A popular type of rc helicopter is the electric rc. It is powered by a battery that is connected to a machine that makes the rotor spin to get lift. The electric rc is sometimes regarded to as the “beginner’s rc” since it is easy to fly and less complicated to operate. The electric rc helicopter is also much cheaper than the next type of rc helicopter: the gas rc helicopter.

Gas rc helicopter is powered by an engine that is ran by fuel. This is much complicated to maintain and requires a higher level of mechanical understanding to operate (compared to electric rc helicopter). Gas rc helicopter is also much expensive than the electric. And because of these factors, serious rc helicopter pilots consider gas rc helicopter as their primary choice. It is said that flying a gas rc helicopter is somewhat similar to flying a real helicopter. Both are treated with much respect and much care.

Flying gas rc could also be treated as your stepping stone into flying a real one since you have gained enough response and sensitivity to the nature of the helicopter. Of course, the experience is still much different if you are flying the full-size helicopter. Nonetheless, both the electric and gas rc helicopter are enough to keep you hooked with the experience of flying.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on RC Helicopter, please visit http://rc-helicopter.articlekeep.com

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RC Helicopter Simulators

As with airplane simulators, RC helicopter flight simulators have come a long way. From weak graphics, they have evolved into programs you can immerse yourself in.

The remote control simulator software for helicopters is very similar to the airplane software, and in most cases is sold as a single package. In other cases, the helicopter simulations are sold as add on programs to the main software. The RC helicopter, like its real counterpart, is quite a bit different in its handling and flight characteristics from an RC airplane. If you are planning on flying RC helicopters, it is important to make sure that your selection is designed for them and not just for airplanes.

The basic difference in helicopter flight and airplane flight is in the taking off and landing. The helicopter does not need a runway, and its ability to move straight up and down as well as hover requires much less space for flight. This is one of the things that have made RC helicopters increasingly popular in the RC hobby field.

The top rated simulators for airplanes are also the best for helicopters. An example is the Great Planes RealFlight B3.5 simulator. This top of the line software program comes with an assortment of airplane and helicopter types. It also features a great many “add on” to increase the number and variety of models. Each add on gives you something like fourteen different planes and four or five new helicopter models from which to chose.

Some RC simulators are available online as downloads. One of the highest rated of this type is the Clearview RC Flight Simulator. Although you have to pay to download the software, this is a very advanced simulator. It is especially attractive to helicopter fans because although the program is for both planes and helicopters, it talks of its helicopter models first as if they are most proud of their variety there. The Clearview RC Simulator is designed to use a variety of controls. It is possible to control it via your keyboard. For advanced users, a handheld transmitter is used and attached to the PC with a USB cable.

The ability to simulate all types of conditions and flying areas and control the program with a transmitter similar to the actual one is the true advantage of RC simulation programs. It is a way to learn to fly your RC model in safety. It is the place to learn without risking your expensive models. There is a certain amount of risk involved in RC flight, but the trained operate can minimize this greatly.

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