RC warbirds
Why are rc warbirds so popular? It's an easy question to answer; the looks, charisma and characteristics of many classic fighter planes simply make them perfect radio control subjects, and warbirds always get attention on the flight line!
If you're unfamiliar with the word warbirds, it's a general name given to fighter planes typically of the Second World War. Having said that, a warbird can be any aircraft that was made to see action in any war, but the WWII fighters such as the North American P-51 Mustang, the Supermarine Spitfire, the Messerschmidt ME109 and the Vought Corsair F4U, for example, are by far the commonest planes referred to as warbirds.
Airplanes such as those named above have such a rich history attached to them, and although full size ones are now very rare, they have been immortalized in many ways - including the manufacture of rc warbirds!
Above, a fine 4 channel Messerschmitt Bf-109G electric rc warbird from ParkZone
Some RC warbird examples
There is a healthy selection of rc warbirds to choose from these days, and they can be bought in every form possible; kit, ARF, RTF, gas, electric...
For anyone looking to get airborne in the least amount of time, an RTF (Ready To Fly) electric warbird is your best option. Probably the nicest and best value ones come from ParkZone; their electric warbirds are very popular and have sold in their thousands. The ParkZone warbird range, in no particular order, is...
 Messerschmitt Bf-109G |
 P-51 Mustang BL |
 Supermarine Spitfire MKIIB |
 Focke Wulf FW190 |
 Corsair F4U |
 T-28 Trojan |
See the ParkZone rc warbirds in detail, along with all their other planes.
RC warbirds for beginners?
Despite the above examples being electric RTF rc airplanes, a warbird doesn't really make a suitable first plane.
Generally speaking, warbirds fly faster and aren't quite as stable as high wing trainers; this combination means that if you try and fly a warbird with no prior rc flying experience, you're going to get into difficulties. It's far better to learn on a traditional trainer, and then move on to a warbird as your second or third model, once you've got a few hours flying time under your hat.
Having said that, there is a gas P-51 Mustang that's been designed as a trainer; the Hanger 9 PTS P-51 Mustang, shown below...
PTS stands for Progressive Trainer System and this particular rc warbird has been designed with the beginner in mind; it's been designed with certain features that make it capable of slower flying speed and more stable flight characteristics, just like a traditional rc trainer airplane.
The Hanger 9 PTS P-51 is a very good option if you're looking at getting in to gas powered rc airplanes, and want to start with a warbird!
Flying rc warbirds is an exhilarating experience, and a great deal of fun. The majority of them have aileron control, which means smooth aerobatic performance is made possible as well as more definite directional control than having a rudder only.
If you've got some experience and are looking for a characteristic and exciting rc airplane to try next, try a warbird!
