Mini RC airplanes
It's a blurry line that defines the size of model planes these days, but mini rc airplanes can be seen as bridging the gap between micro rc airplanes and the 'standard' size planes. Incidentally we'll just talk about electric planes for the purpose of this page.
Given the vast number of rc airplanes available these days, there are plenty around that can be put into the 'mini rc airplanes' category, and one popular example is the Mini Super Cub from HobbyZone.
With a wingspan of less than a meter (actual span: 31.75 in / 806 mm) this RTF electric rc airplane is a smaller cousin to the hugely popular and successful Super Cub, one of HobbyZone's biggest sellers to date.
The Mini Super Cub RTF (shown left) is a 3 channel plane, like its bigger cousin, and despite its smaller size it still features HobbyZone's trusted Anti Crash Technology™ that returns the plane to straight and level flight if the pilot gets in to difficulties.
It doesn't feature the X-Port™ technology though, so aerial games such as parachute dropping and aerial combat can't be enjoyed with this mini rc airplane.
The high wing stability of the Mini Super Cub gives it a proven track record as a very nice rc airplane for beginners to learn on, and 3 channels instead of 4 keeps things basic until you're ready to make the jump to more advanced planes.
Mini vs. micro
When this page was originally written there weren't really any micro rc airplanes available, and the smallest planes you could buy were commonly referred to as mini rc airplanes.
But in recent years there has been an influx of micro and ultra micro electric RTF airplanes in to the hobby, and today's label of 'micro' has all but replaced 'mini'. ParkZone's Ultra Micro range has been hugely popular, with its mix of sport, aerobatic and warbird planes all at around 15" wingspan.
Above: Ultra Micro planes like this P-51 are hugely popular now
These tiny, fully functional electric rc planes are intended for indoor flying or outdoors on calm days, as they are easily adversely effected by the wind. Obviously larger planes can handle wind better but even something like the HobbyZone Mini Super Cub shown at the top of this page will have its limits; its foam construction means low weight, which is good for flight performance but not so good for windy days!
If you have limited airspace in which to fly, then mini rc airplanes are an ideal solution - if your airspace is even smaller still, then a micro plane is the answer!
Mini rc airplanes at Red Rocket Hobbies.
Related pages
Micro rc airplanes - examples of smaller 'micro flyers'.
Indoor rc airplanes - a rapidly growing sector of the hobby.
Beginner rc airplanes - some popular examples.
Electric rc airplanes - an overview of 'normal' size electric planes.
How to fly airplanes - RC flight school for beginners.
