Fantastic RC Journey @Different RC Aircraft Types

RC Journey:Learn Different RC Aircraft Types

There are many different rc aircraft types associated with radio control flying, many of which you’ll see at an rc flying club field. If you’re completely new to the hobby and are wondering what these types of rc aircraft are, then this page will introduce you to them.

Remember that the word air craft covers all flying machines, not just conventional airplanes. Also bear in mind that the most common rc aircraft types (airplanes and helicopters) can be scale, semi-scale and non-scale models. These three terms refer to the reality of the model; whether it replicates a real aircraft (scale), is a close representation of a real aircraft (semi-scale) or is a completely made-up design (non-scale).

Whether you end up flying scale, semi-scale or non-scale rc aircraft comes down to your own personal preference. There are plenty from each category to choose from these days, a reflection of the popularity of the hobby!

The basic RC aircraft types

For the purpose of this page, rc airplanes and helicopters have been split into their own types; simply categorizing the two as aircraft types would be a bit broad given the variations available.

Collectively, rc planes account for the largest number of aircraft in the hobby. Having said that, the popularity of flying rc helicopters has grown tremendously in recent years as electric rc helicopters have surged onto the scene, and the gap between the number of rc airplane pilots and rc helicopter pilots has become much smaller than it ever has been.

Note that this page doesn’t intend to ‘officially categorize’ rc aircraft – the following list is just to introduce you to your options…

RC Airplanes

Trainer airplanes are designed for learning on. They are conventional in design and basic, with the wing on top of the fuselage for maximum stability in the air. Trainers can be powered by electric motor or internal combustion engine, glow plug (nitro) being the most common of the IC group. Trainers are available in many different sizes and shapes and count for a large sector of all rc aircraft.

Sport airplanes also make up a very large sector of all rc airplanes. They are a step or two up from a basic trainer but can also be used for training purposes, particularly low-wing training. Sport airplanes, like trainers, can be any size or shape and are more capable of performing aerobatic maneuvers than trainers are; the majority of sport planes are mid or low wing, making them better for performing such maneuvers. High wing planes like trainers, generally speaking, are not that aerobatic.

Aerobatic airplanes have been designed specifically for performing advanced aerobatic maneuvers and ‘3D’ flying. This type of rc airplane is typically mid wing with oversize control surfaces and motors (electric or nitro) that are more powerful than the airplane actually needs. Aerobatic airplanes can be thrown around the sky and flown very aggressively, so long as the pilot knows what he or she is doing!

Warbirds have always been a popular rc aircraft subject; their classic lines and smooth flying characteristics make warbirds some of the nicest looking rc airplanes out there. Not particularly suitable as an absolute first model, although there are some RTF warbirds available that have been developed with the beginner in mind. The term warbird describes a plane that was used in war, notably the First and Second World Wars. A P-51 Mustang is a classic example.

Vintage rc airplanes are a popular subject, particularly with modellers who enjoy the building side of the hobby as well as the flying side. Many classic designs date back to the late 1930s and 40s and are large in size. 3 channel radio and a 4 stroke motor make the best combination in vintage airplanes, and they are often slow, gentle flyers. Vintage planes are also known as Old Timers in some parts of the world, and you might also see them referred to as planes from the ‘Golden Era’ of aeromodelling.

RC float planes are increasing in availability but they’re obviously not as widely available as land airplanes. If you have a lake close to home, a float plane can be a lot of fun but get some good experience at landing on land before you try one! Losing an rc airplane in the drink isn’t a lot of fun…

RC Helicopters

Single rotor helicopters count for a huge sector of the rc flying hobby. Like airplanes, they can be electric or IC powered. Electric helicopters have become very popular in recent years and some are easier to fly than others. IC helicopters are much more complicated – and expensive! Learning to fly a multi-channel nitro rc helicopter is a serious business, but ultimately very rewarding. Of course, the larger size (eg 700) electric rc helicopters are just as complex as IC ones, apart from the motor side of things, and expensive too.

Coaxial rc helicopters are sometimes called contra-rotating or dual rotor helicopters. They have two main rotors that spin in opposite directions to each other. This cancels out the torque force normally generated by a spinning single rotor, and so a tail rotor isn’t required to counter any torque. This makes coaxial rc helicopters easier to fly and often more stable than a conventional helicopter.

Other RC aircraft:

Jets can be powered by electric or glow plug ducted fan or miniature gas turbine engines. These true rc jets, with gas turbines, require a lot of flying experience and a massive budget – the engine alone can cost a couple of thousand dollars! Large scale jets like these look very impressive, on the ground and in the air, and sound just like the real thing too.

Gliders are aircraft without motors. They are the simplest form of airplane and require the least number of accessories. Many gliders do have a small electric motor in the nose, these are called powered gliders. But with a true non-powered rc glider you have to rely solely on the wind and/or thermals to keep the aircraft airborne. Flying from a slope is a popular way of rc gliding.

Blimps are electric powered airships. They vary in design, but all have one thing in common – a helium filled body under which hangs the cabin and motors. The best rc blimps have two or three motors that tilt up and down to control the altitude of the blimp, and rotate to control directional movement. RC blimps are only suitable for flying indoors, or outside on a completely calm day.

Quadcopters are relatively new to the radio control flying hobby and feature four electric motors on booms coming out of a central hub or fuselage. A tricopter is a three-motored variation. These ‘copters are very stable and also agile, and the AR Parrot Drone is one that can be controlled via an iPhone!
Quadricopters are also sometimes sold as ‘RC UFOs’ but the term quadricopter has become more common in recent years. Toy rc UFOs are also available though, usually with a single motor surrounded by an outer foam body.

Ornithopters are aircraft that represent birds. True to the real thing, ornithopters are powered through the air by the flapping motion of the wings, and can look very convincing when in flight. There aren’t a huge number available to buy and are not really that popular with serious rc flyers, but are good fun anyway!

Novelty rc aircraft can cover just about anything that isn’t considered to be a conventional rc aircraft. The reality is that almost anything can be made to fly if it has the right design properties – rc flying lawn mowers, witches on sticks and flags are just some examples. These are true ‘novelty models’ and there are several manufacturers who specialize in this kind of rc aircraft for the non-serious modeller!

browse a good selection of rc aircraft types.

whatever your fancy, there are many rc aircraft types available these days and there’s sure to be something to suit your needs! If you have access to an rc simulator you can try your hand at flying many different aircraft types without actually having to buy any!

The Phoeni rc simulator, for example, includes airplanes, helicopters (single rotor & coaxial), jets, gliders, float planes and even a blimp.

Flying rc aircraft of any type is an exhilarating and addictive hobby, and one that will give you much satisfaction – guaranteed!