Micro RC airplanes

As with all things radio control, micro rc airplanes ('micro flyers') have become more widely available and lower priced in recent years, as a result of rc components becoming smaller, lighter and cheaper to mass produce.

The ongoing electronic revolution has indeed changed the face of rc, and manufacturers are racing to make smaller models all the time!

Currently there are several micro flyers in mass-production, with Watt-Age leading the way in terms of low-cost with their simple ready to fly micro planes, the Micro Flyer and Rookie.
At the other end of the price range there is the fully proportional Butterfly from Plantraco, which can comfortably be flown around a room.

Both Watt-Age micro airplanes can be seen below, the Micro Flyer on the left and Rookie on the right: (the Butterfly is shown further down the page)

The Watt-Age Micro Flyer and Rookie use the same basic components found in micro rc cars and boats, a tiny magnetic actuator that flicks the rudder from left to right and simple on/off motor control with which you can control the airplane's altitude.
They can easily be flown in a small back yard, but the non-proportional control makes living room flying a bit tricky! Flight times very around the 5 minute mark thanks to its lithium polymer battery, the most modern type of battery available for any rc model.

The Butterfly, shown right, [more info] goes a few steps further and has fully proportional control through what is claimed to be the world's smallest rc receiver!
A lithium-polymer motor battery is used to ensure decent flight times, so you can fly a few good circuits round your living room, or outside on completely still days.

The Butterfly weighs in at just 3 grams, and the supplied transmitter can be used in conjunction with flight simulation software. A smash-proof carry case is included to ensure safe transport of this very delicate micro flyer.

It really is quite a feat of modern rc technology and, while not the cheapest of micro flyers, the Butterfly is a perfect example of things to come, where micro rc airplanes are concerned.

Of course, the drawback of such a featherweight rc model like the Butterfly is the inevitable delicacy. Having said that though, the slow flying speed means that collision damage is often avoided - just beware of clumsy handling instead!

The 2 Watt-Age micro rc airplanes are available from Red Rocket Hobby Shop.

Related pages

Micro rc helicopters

Micro rc cars

Micro rc boats

Indoor rc airplanes

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