Micro RC airplanes

- our dreams realized!

Surprisingly there are currently fewer micro rc airplanes available than micro helicopters, but this trend is slowly changing and some superb micro planes are starting to hit the shops.

It wasn't so long ago that micro size rc airplanes would have been 'made to measure' by indoor flying enthusiasts using normal free flight indoor model airplane kits and modifying them to take the new breed of micro servos, receivers, battery packs and motors.

Such micro radio control components were expensive, and a good knowledge of model airplane building was needed to carry out the necessary modifications. But now, thanks to brands such as ParkZone, true micro rc airplanes that need no assembly are becoming available at very affordable prices, and that's great news for us all!

ParkZone's recently developed innovative micro-technology has allowed the production of the first 4 channel, fully aerobatic micro flyer, the Sukhoi Su-26m, shown below...

The incredible Parkzone Sukhoi Su-26m BNF

Above, the Sukhoi Su-26m from ParkZone is what we've all been waiting for!

At just under 16 inch wingspan, the Sukhoi is aimed at the indoor flying sector of the hobby but of course it can be flown outdoors on completely calm days; with a flying weight of just over one ounce, it doesn't take much of a breeze to upset this little gem of an rc airplane.
And in a step away from the norm, the Sukhoi is sold only in Bind n' Fly form, there is no RTF version available. BNF requires that you have a DSM2 compatible transmitter such as Spektrum's DX6i.

See the Sukhoi Su-26m micro plane in more detail.

And following hot on the heels of the Sukhoi's success, the Ultra Micro P-51 is a case of 'same chassis, different plane' - this fully proportional 4 channel warbird is due for release September 2009...

Interestingly, ParkZone have labeled these tiny rc airplanes as Ultra Micro but personally I think the 'micro' label would suffice; when do ultra micro rc airplanes become ultra-ultra micro, and so on?...

These planes aren't recommended for the beginner but for intermediate and advanced rc pilots they have to be the ultimate 'keep in the car' rc airplane!

One example of a micro rc airplane that is suitable for beginners is the 3 channel Micro Citabria, also from ParkZone. An RTF rc airplane supplied with 2.4GHz DSM2 digital radio system, this Citabria is a gentle little flyer, perfectly suited to flying around school gymnasiums and similar venues, or outside on a perfectly calm day.
The Citabria is a popular subject and this particular micro rc plane has been a good seller for ParkZone. The stability that comes with a high wing design airplane, and the basic 3 channel configuration, make this plane very suitable for beginner pilots, unlike the more advanced Sukhoi Su-26m and P-51 both shown above.

Parkzone Micro Citabria mini rc airplane

Above, ParkZone's Micro Citabria is another nice example, more suited to beginners

See the ParkZone Micro Citabria in more detail.

Lightweight micro RC airplanes for indoor flying

Indoor rc flying, in places such as school halls and gymnasiums, is a very popular and growing sector of the radio control flying hobby.
Micro electric airplanes like the Sukhoi, P-51 and Citabria can easily be flown indoors if the space is big enough, but two excellent examples for even smaller spaces are the Ember and the Vapor, both shown below...

The Ember and Vapor also come from ParkZone, and are sold with 2.4GHz radio as standard. Their slow flying capabilities and small size makes them ideal candidates for some gentle indoor flying. But of course, these planes aren't restricted to indoor flying, they can be flown perfectly well outdoors on completely still days.

Micro rc airplanes like these are true testament to the electronic revolution that has changed the face of radio control flying in the last few years. They are excellent products at an affordable price, great news for everyone!

The ParkZone micro rc airplanes can be seen in more detail here.

Mini rc airplanes - the next size up from micro planes.