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Different RC aircraft types

There are many different rc aircraft types associated with model building and 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 types of rc aircraft are available, then hopefully this page will give you a pretty good idea.

Remember that the word 'aircraft' 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 (semi-scale) or is a completely made up design (non-scale).


The basic RC aircraft types

For the purpose of this page only, rc airplanes have been split into different types, and collectively account of the largest number of aircraft in the hobby.
Also note that this page doesn't intend to 'officially categorize' aircraft - this is just to let you know what's available to build and fly.

Airplanes:

RC trainer airplaneTrainer airplanes are designed for learning to fly radio control airplanes. They are conventional 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 methane) being the most common. They are available in many different sizes and shapes, and count for a large sector of all rc aircraft. See an example (gas).




RC sport airplaneSport airplanes probably make up the biggest sector of rc airplanes. They are one step up from a basic trainer, but can also be used for training purposes. Sport airplanes, like trainers, can be any size or shape and are more capable of performing aerobatic maneuvers than trainers are. Although many sport airplanes are high wing, many are also mid or low wing making them better for performing such maneuvers. See an example (electric).



RC aerobatic airplaneAerobatic airplanes have been designed specifically for performing advanced aerobatic maneuvers and '3D' flying. This type of rc airplane is typically mid or low wing with oversize control surfaces and motors (electric or nitro) that are more powerful than the plane 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! See examples (gas & electric).



Vintage RC airplaneVintage airplanes are a popular subject, particularly with modelers 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 size. 3 channel radio and a 4 cycle motor make the best combination in vintage airplanes, and they are often slow, gentle flyers. Read more.



Helicopters:

Helicopters can be broadly classified into two types:

RC helicopterSingle rotor helicopters count for a huge sector of the rc flying hobby. Like airplanes, they can be electric or nitro powered. Electric helicopters have become very popular in recent years, and surprisingly easy to fly. Nitro helicopters are much more complicated - and expensive! Learning to fly a multi-channel nitro rc helicopter is a serious business, but ultimately very rewarding. See an example.



RC helicopterDual rotor helicopters are sometimes called contra-rotating 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 dual rotor helicopters easier to fly, and just as stable as a conventional heli. See an example (electric).



Other aircraft:

RC jetJets 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 an even bigger 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. See an example.



RC gliderGliders are airplanes without motors. They are the simplest form of aircraft, 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 non-powered rc glider, you have to rely solely on the wind to keep the aircraft airborne. Flying from a slope is the most popular way of rc gliding. See an example.



RC blimpBlimps 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. Steering is controlled by changing the speed of each motor, or by rudder if there is only one motor. RC blimps are only suitable for flying indoors, or outside on a completely calm day. See an example.



RC UFOUFOs are a limited group of rc aircraft, there are only a few that are available to buy as ready to fly models. RC UFOs typically have vertically placed electric motors (or motor) and can maneuver primarily up and down, with limited sideways movement. Good fun though, and the larger ones have better directional control. See an example.



RC ornithopterOrnithopters 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 good fun anyway! See an example.



RC flying witchFun stuff 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 - model 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 modeler! See some examples.




For newcomers into the hobby of radio control flying, a trainer (electric or gas) type is the best choice followed by a sport flyer if airplanes are your preference.
For helicopters, an electric RTF model is the best way of getting started.



Related pages

RC airplanes - index page for the primary plane information pages.

RC helicopters - index page for the primary helicopter information pages.

RC jets - some examples and information on basic jets.

RC gliders - information and examples of gliders and powered gliders.

RC blimps - information and an example.

RC UFOs - information and an example.

RC ornithopters - information and an example.

RTF rc airplanes - What is RTF? Find out here.

ARF rc airplanes - What is ARF? Find out here.

Plug n' Play rc airplanes - What is PNP? Find out here.