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The RC Predator UAV

Electric rc airplanes sure have come a long way, and the rc Predator UAV is definitely testament to the electronic revolution that has changed the face of radio control flying over the last few years.
What makes this particular electric plane so special is that it comes complete with its own digital camera!

An RC Predator UAV


The real Predator UAV (UAV = 'Unmanned Aerial Vehicle') has been used by the US military since the mid nineties for aerial reconnaissance, although it can be equipped with a couple of missiles if necessary.
The Predator is remotely controlled, and can be flown over enemy territory. The image results and information that it gathers can then be downloaded to the troops on the ground, making it an invaluable aid during conflict.

So, this rc Predator UAV is a very true-to-life scale model plane; not only does it resemble the real thing to look at, but it also takes aerial photographs!
This really is a great achievement, maybe even a milestone in the hobby of radio control flying - to be able to buy an RTF electric rc airplane already equipped for aerial photography, at not a bad price!

Aerial photo from the Predator UAVOf course, the digital camera isn't going to be a top of the range model, but will do the job. As you can see from the aerial photo to the right, it's good enough! It can take 26 shots per flight, and all the necessary software to download the photos to your computer is included.
Camera operation is easy, full deflection of the rudder stick on the transmitter is used to activate the camera.

The plane itself is 3 channel, with V-tail mixing. At 52" wingspan, this rc Predator UAV is larger than your average Park Flyer, but of course this is necessary to compensate for the extra weight of the camera.
It certainly has enough power to perform well, and the usual 3 channel aerobatic maneuvers are possible.


Other specifications and features include:



For an excellent introduction to rc aerial photography, or just as a very different electric rc airplane that'll turn heads at the flying field, the rc Predator UAV is available from Red Rocket Hobby Shop.

 

Related pages

RC aerial photography - methods of on-board camera operation.