E-flite Blade CP RC helicopter
[The original CP talked about here has since been upgraded to the CP+, please bare this in mind when reading this page]
The Blade CP rc helicopter (now upgraded to the Blade CP Pro) from E-flite is a great example of an electric rc helicopter that can be really flown, and isn't limited to hovering six inches off the ground!
Fully RTF, the sleek looking Blade CP is potentially a very agile 6 channel aerobatic (3D) helicopter (with the optional upgrade package), thanks to its CCPM mixing abilities (Collective/Cyclic Pitch Mixing).
But even without the upgrade and straight out the box, the Blade CP is perfectly suitable as a first-time electric rc helicopter. It is, however, very important to understand that model helicopters like this have a very steep learning curve, much harder than learning to fly an rc airplane.
The Blade CP's stability in the air rivals many higher-priced radio control helicopters, and this stability is exactly what you need when learning to fly any kind of rc aircraft. Each and every model is test flown at the factory to ensure that the helicopter is properly set up.
A clear and precise instruction manual guides you step-by-step through every stage of flying the Blade CP, from unpacking the model to taking to the skies.
If you've never handled a radio control helicopter before, carefully reading the manual before doing anything is of paramount importance and should give you all the basic understanding needed.
In true E-flite fashion , everything about the Blade CP is good value. A 6 channel transmitter is standard which controls a 4-in-1 unit (found in similar electric helicopters). This tiny electronic unit is made up of the 6 channel radio receiver, the gyro and two electronic speed controls, one for the main and one for the tail motor.
There are 3 micro servos connected to the unit, to control all pitch movements of the rotors.
As mentioned earlier, the Blade CP can be upgraded to a fully aerobatic '3D' helicopter for advanced flying. This is a great option, as it means that you don't have to change your helicopter to a different model as you progress up the learning curve.
Incidentally, the transmitter supplied with the Blade CP has the 'buddy box' function, whereby a second transmitter can be connected via a cable to permit one-on-one training with an instructor, if you prefer this kind of reassurance. That's a nice touch, and is rarely found on radio gear that comes with RTF models.
Blade CP features & specifications
These include...
- Main Rotor Diameter: 20.8 in (528mm)
- Tail Rotor Diameter: 5.8 in (148mm)
- Length: 20.7 in (526mm)
- Gross Weight: RTF with Li-Po battery, 10.5 oz (298 g)
- Motor Size: 370 main motor, N30 tail motor
In summary: the Blade CP is a very neat looking electric rc helicopter that fills all the requirements for a first-time conventional helicopter.
Suitable for anyone looking for an electric helicopter that can be flown at a higher level once basic flying has been mastered. While not the cheapest model around, the Blade CP is certainly worth the (little) extra money if you're serious about enjoying your rc helicopter hobby.
Note - the Blade CP is now upgraded to the Blade CP+ for even better performance.
See the Blade CP Pro rc helicopter in more detail.
Do you own or have experience with a Blade CP rc helicopter? If so, let us know about it here!
Related pages
Electric rc helicopters - general overview and examples.
RC flight simulators - the safest way of learning to fly rc helicopters.
