I have a helicopter - I am a designer and a pilot: radio-controlled models of helicopters

Collecting models of auto and aircraft equipment has always been a fascinating hobby. Constructors are a favorite children's toy. Today, this activity has become more mechanized - radio-controlled cars have filled the space. Moreover, these are far from always children's toys, adults do this with no less enthusiasm. Cars with remote controls have become the most popular toys among children, and helicopters among teenagers and older.

Dragonfly helicopter

What is a RC Helicopter? A complex design, because it was not possible to make a miniature apparatus with propellers fly until 1970, when even robots were already walking through the children's rooms. The attempts of the German engineer Schlüter, who came up with the Bell-Hiller scheme (two-bladed rotor, changing the pitch of the blades), were crowned with success. Today, in this scheme, only the blades have been replaced by electronic stabilization systems.

For the best flight data, aircraft are made of fiberglass, aluminum, carbon fiber. Blades can be wooden. An aircraft can be purchased as a fully assembled, semi-assembled, set of parts. There are brands with and without equipment. Everyone decides it is interesting for him to assemble a "dragonfly" or buy a ready-made one, be content with a simple scheme or add additional channels. Knowing the main indicators, you can choose what is right for you.

The first question to be answered is - do you need a home or outdoor rotorcraft? Indoor turntables are small, lightweight, they won't harm anything in the apartment. It is very convenient to learn the basics of piloting on such models. In complete calm they can be walked on the street.

Having become the owner of a street helicopter, in the absence of driving skills, you can crash it in a matter of seconds. Training is required to operate such a technique. For example, you can work out on computer simulators. That is why choosing the first helicopter is not an easy question.

Classification

Radio-controlled rotorcraft, repeating the characteristics of the real ones, have a complex classification. They differ in:

• engine type;
• screw diagram;
• electronics;
• management.

Before choosing a toy-real flying gyroplane for ourselves or for children, let's figure it out with its filling.

Instead of a heart - a fiery motor

The power plant lifts the aircraft into the sky, here the choice is as follows.

Heating two-stroke internal combustion engine

By engine volume, it is divided into classes:

• 30 - 5.5 cm3;
• 50 - 8.2 cm3;
• 60 - 10 cm3;
• 90 - 15 cm3.

The engine volume is more powerful - the blade is wider, the sample is larger. This can hover for up to 14 minutes, guarding the owner with a remote control at the board.

Gasoline ICE

The more modern fuel type has its pros and cons:

• gasoline is cheaper than fuel for glowing internal combustion engines;
• gives a clean exhaust, without soot;
• flies longer.

• the engine is heavy, you can put it on large bases (class 90 and more);
• complex design requires a change in the frame design.

Gasoline models are not yet the most popular because of the size and complexity of its maintenance.

Gas turbine engine

This type requires a lot of electronics to control fuel delivery, rpm, throttle, temperature. Therefore, it is not in demand.

Electric brushless with battery

At first, small battery-powered turntables flew exclusively in apartments, they have no exhaust, but their dimensions and weight did not allow them to be lifted into open air space. Today it is the most popular type. Electric aircraft are classified:

Class	Main rotor blade length (mm)	Flight weight (gram)
100	70-190	50-150
250	200-210	250-350
400	230-250	300-500
450	290-350	800-1200
500	420-450	1700-2200
550 (30 class glowing internal combustion engine)	550-570	2500-3500
600 (50 cl.)	600-620	3300-4000
700 (60 cl.)	690-720	4000

Mechanical control

Radio controlled helicopters (RUM) can be calm or nimble. Maneuverable, of course, more interesting, they allow you to arrange a steep aerobatics, but sophisticated in management. According to the principle of operation, the circuits are mechanical or electronic.

The varieties of helicopters are determined by the propeller pattern:

Classic

The main rotor is large, the tail rotor is small.

• develops high speeds;
• responds quickly to commands "
• resistant to wind.

• need a big sky.

Coaxial

On the axle there are two main screws rotating in different directions. Fixed blade pitch - stable machine. Great for beginner pilots. Works in rooms where it is easier to correct mistakes. The downside is the ban on flying in windy weather on the street, the difficulty in keeping the aircraft on the desired course.

• stable flight;
• accuracy of command execution;
• budget price.

• not suitable for flying in windy weather.

Multi-screw

Modellists call this scheme a multicopter. Most often it is a quadcopter - 4 screws are installed at the ends of the cross. Then there are modifications of 3-6-8 beams, etc.

• can move loads on itself;
• stable due to the design;
• reliable.

• high price;
• outwardly does not look like a real gyroplane.

Electronics

The transmitter mixes the channels (pitch / throttle curve). They produce a signal by frequency modulation, which is of two types:

PPM - pulse-positional, used in inexpensive types of aircraft, reacts to interference;

PCM - pulse-code, more resistant to interference.

With the help of an external transmitter, the fuel indicators, collective pitch, are regulated and changed, which helps to increase maneuverability. In addition, the helicopter has servo motors that are responsible for the operation of the propellers, there may be several of them. There is a gyroscope to set a specific course; it controls the spinning of the tail rotor.

How many channels will be enough

In terms of control complexity and capabilities, RUMs differ in the number of channels:

Number of channels	Functional	Who is it for
2	low speed, straight ahead	- the smallest pilots.
3	movement up and down, forward and backward, turns in both directions, pitch (tilts forward and backward)	- children 5-10 years old; - adults who first saw the RC turntable.
4	added left-right movement, swash plate helps control roll	- children from 10 years old; - those who understand the technique easily.
5	plus control of the collective pitch of the main rotor and tail boom	- aerodynamic technicians.
6	gyroscope to help, 3-D model	- those who have learned to control the 4-channel type.
7-9	needed for aerobatic RUM, sports	- assembled by the pilot himself, a professional model, not a toy.

There are additional channels that do not affect the flight mode: side lights, cameras and other bells and whistles. This is for beauty and convenience.The most popular are helicopters with 4 channels:

	Channel	Control
1	Ailerons	Roll (cyclic step)
2	Elevator	Pitch (cyclic step)
3	Rudder	Prowling
4	Step / gas	Collective step / choke

The communication between the receiver and the transmitter is mainly done through radio interface technology. Children's turntables can be operated with infrared control. Coordinated via a smartphone or tablet using Wi-Fi.

Price corridor

The price, as well as the difficulty of piloting a dragonfly, depends on:

• the size of the apparatus;
• channels;
• screw diagrams.

The larger and more powerful the helicopter, the more expensive it will cost. Small RAMs (less than 25 cm) will cost from 900 to 1,300 rubles. Further, the amount will grow in proportion to the size and filling.

When purchasing RUM, you need to be prepared for frequent breakdowns until you gain experience and confidence. Therefore, it is advisable to immediately buy spare parts, stores do not always have everything you need at once. The helicopter also eats electricity actively. Batteries, for example, run out in 7-10 minutes, but you want to fly longer. Going into nature with technology, stock up on rechargeable batteries, a charger to swoop in.

Choose a brand or ..

Of course, in every industry there are better, more reliable and more promising manufacturers. But in this case it doesn't work very well, because radio-controlled gyroplanes appeared literally 20 years ago. Components (gyroscope and radio module) can be taken from any supplier, they are not very different. Therefore, it is better to choose not the brand, but the functionality: the number of control channels, size-weight, electric motor. Now the actual device of the flying vehicle is the camera.

But if you prefer to choose by brand, then pay attention to trade marks:

• WL Toys;
• HUBSAN;
• Syma;
• Align;
• Pilotage.

What the experts suggest

After examining the rating of the most favorite radio-controlled toys for children for December 2018, we find two of the best helicopter models among robots and cars. Experts recorded the highest popularity of these samples in 2018 and already in 2019.

Syma Fregata (F3)

1 990 - 2 690 rubles.

A radio-controlled rotorcraft measuring 24.5 x 5.5 x 9 cm, made of plastic with a remote control included. Designed for outdoor launches. Powered by an electric motor powered by 4 AA batteries (a removable battery is not provided in the kit). Communication - 2.4 G. Listens to commands from the remote control at a distance of up to 80 meters. Four-channel system. There is a gyroscope.

• it is easy to control turns, rotations, adjust the height, set the roll from the remote control;
• powerful receiver, stable signal up to 80 meters;
• the car can be in the air for 8 minutes;
• the battery can be charged via the USB port (60 minutes to fully charge);
• the plastic of the case is shock-resistant, the tail is metal, it will not fall apart at the first inept peak.

• the children and husband refused to go for a walk, flew in turns.

Syma Phantom (S107G)

1,038 - 1,680 rubles.

The small car (22 cm) is designed for indoor flights. The body is metal. It has a propeller on the tail and a coaxial system, which gives stability, average speed, quiet control. From the remote control (included, IR-control), you can command the "dragonfly" without even seeing it. Built-in battery, you can charge via USB adapter or remote control (full charge - 40 min.). The battery (6 finger) lasts for 10 minutes of flight. Channels -3, there is a gyroscope.

• the battery is of high quality, it charges perfectly, it works as indicated;
• flew around the apartment for a year, until he rammed the door, the gyroscope broke down, it does not fly without it.

• the battery lasts 14 minutes, but after 7 minutes the motor overheats and you need to rest for 10 minutes.

TOP 6 best radio-controlled helicopters

The top selected three best options each in the price-quality and Top-3 segments. The first list is preferable to consider for beginners and as a gift for children, the second - for sophisticated pilots who understand fancy dummies.

Best for beginners

Syma CH-47

1 830 - 2 460 rubles.

The original collectible model of a transport rotorcraft with dimensions of 46 x 18 cm, scale 1:32. Designed for indoor and outdoor flights.It has a commutator engine, two sets of blades, five windows on each side, a landing gear like a car - an aircraft lands on four chassis. The color of the equipment speaks of a military purpose.

An indisputable advantage - the toy can be immediately sent into the air, no settings or connections are needed, only the battery needs to be charged in advance. The remote control for three channels (27, 40, 49 MHz), the range of action is no more than 30 m. It can master the sky up to 12 minutes. without recharging. A great gift for a child - a start to knowledge of aerodynamics, mathematical calculations and an entertaining pastime at the same time.

• reliable engine;
• very comfortable price;
• cool design in the style of "military";
• very easy to operate.

• the capture radius is small, you can't fly on the street;
• the battery takes a long time to charge - 2 hours.

Silverlit Power in Air Stormtrooper

1,716 - 2,313 rubles.

The cute RC attack aircraft is aggressive and sassy. Very lightweight - the body is made of plastic pieces. It rises upward on four blades of unusually different diameters. Pivots with a screw on the tail. The filling is metal, reliable, hidden inside.

A three-channel remote control is included in the package, control is IR. A great addition is a gyroscope: flying vehicles will not roll over and fall, unless, of course, you pull it out into the street, where it is windy. The range is not very large, for closed rooms this is not such a problem. The attack aircraft is good for teenagers who are starting to explore the airspace.

• recharging - only half an hour;
• the remote control is convenient, easy to operate;
• stylish design, miniature size, LEDs illuminate in the dark;
• the gyroscope is a cool thing, the stability is excellent;
• quite reasonable price.

• the remote control works with an infrared transmitter, there is no radio communication;
• beyond 10 meters the remote control does not work;
• is very afraid of the wind;
• flies in the air for a very short time.

Syma S107

1 290 - 1 404 rubles.

The chassis, the tail are made of metal, the body is plastic, the system is coaxial. The engine is a collector, a gyroscope is available. The remote control is three-channel. Infrared control. More reliable thanks to additional blades.

The helicopter has three modifications. The basic version is equipped with a remote control. The version with the letter P (Syma S107P) has a generator of soap bubbles among which a small "dragonfly" will fly. The device with the letter C (Syma S107C) is equipped with a camera, although the recording level is very low, it looks more like a primitive decor.

"Dragonfly" has a miniature size and weighs 40 g. You can even chase the microlayer around the office during breaks, and then charge it through the USB port of your computer.

• diminutiveness, no problems with transportation;
• the gyroscope is flawless;
• charging lasts no more than 50 minutes;
• small but sturdy;
• budget price is good.

• as many as 6 batteries are needed in the remote control, weigh more than the flyer itself;
• you have to follow him, the remote control catches up to 10 meters;
• no more than 10 minutes flies, then charging.

Top-end helicopters

These are advanced modern models, not like children's toys, requiring piloting skills and having a fairly large functionality.

Align T-Rex 600L Dominator Super Combo

RUB 63,890

Not a toy at all - 116 cm in length, height - 32 cm, weight - 2.9 kg. The model is crammed with smart programs, equipped with a new processor. Configurable using a smartphone, computer, tablet. Handles commands very quickly and clearly. The servos are brushless, durable, with decent torque. Remote control - 2.4GHz.

Of course, this car is waiting for experienced pilots. The seven-channel remote control allows you to enjoy not only the speed, but also all kinds of twists and turns of the car in the air. Pilots will like the G-Pro system - a flyerless system that can be customized for themselves. Flight range - 500 m.

• The software can be customized for yourself and your interests;
• instant execution of commands, the motor does not heat up;
• included - 3 servos;
• large and powerful, reliable;
• decent radius of flights.

• the more items in the package, the more expensive it becomes;
• assembly is done independently after purchase, not everyone is ready, very high accuracy is needed.

Hubsan Westland Lynx FPV 2.4G - H101F

RUB 10 350

The model is not budgetary, but not the most advanced either. Its feature is a color camera on board, FPV technology - a first-person view. The clarity of the 5 megapixel picture is not very high-quality, but it costs several times cheaper than the GoPro Hero. The video will be stored on a CD card. You can watch it in real time on the console monitor. A visor protects the LCD from the sun's rays. The flight duration is 10 minutes, the range is 100-300 m. If the camera works, the turntable cannot be released far, the connection will be lost.

The length of the helicopter is 34.2 cm, the flight weight is 0.2 kg. The screw scheme is a classic. The four-channel console adjusts the pitch, pitch, roll, heading. The signal is transmitted at 2.4 GHz. Feature - two launch options - for beginners and experienced pilots. It must be remembered that the car cannot cope with strong winds. You need 8 AA batteries to work.

• a remote control with a screen and a visor - very convenient, video glasses are connected;
• for variability there is a rotor with a fixed frequency;
• radius - up to 300 meters, and responds to commands from the remote control quickly and accurately;
• CD card slot, camera, video archive are just a great bonus.

• batteries need finger-type 8 pieces;
• flight time is not enough - only 10 minutes, and battery charging is long.

Align T-Rex 600 Nitro DFC Super Combo

RUB 54,900

Most of all it looks like a real helicopter. Starting with the fact that the fuel is gasoline, the length of the model is 1 m 16 cm, the height is 35.7 cm, the diameter of the propeller is 135 cm, the tail rotor is 24 cm.The volume of the gas tank is 440 cm3. With an empty tank, it weighs 3.2 kg. Of course, this colossus is not very afraid of the wind, it has its own blowing - a fan that cools the engine.

Supplied with software, configurable via smartphone or computer. The gluttonous "dragonfly" eats a full tank in 10 minutes, but you can fill it up with gas in a couple of minutes, this is not an hour-long battery charging. When the rotorcraft rises into the sky, the pilot easily controls it from the remote control, but it looks very impressive.

There is no transmitter and remote control included. This and a few other parts need to be purchased additionally (servo, starter, muffler, engine).

• FBL system G-Pro to help;
• a powerful car, not afraid of the wind at all, inspires respect;
• the software is reliable and works well;
• the design is maximally lightened by plastic and carbon fiber;
• seven channels - a lot of opportunities for turns;
• flies away, but the commands from the remote control are carried out instantly.

• very expensive, even if without a remote control;
• noisy, like real;
• short flight time, you have to return in advance so as not to fall with an empty tank.

Time to learn helicopter slang

If you have read the article to the end, it means that you will soon become the owner of a radio-controlled helicopter. And you will discuss on forums and real parties the technical data of machines, the possibility of performing figures, options for convenient control. This propeller-air environment has its own slang, which is difficult to immediately understand. Let's start with some of the most popular terms:

• Appa - remote control, transmitter, joystick, everything that controls the copter;
• Sticks - joystick control knobs;
• Flybar - mechanical gyroscope (stick with weights);
• Canopa - body, cabin;
• Lipolka - batteries (Li-Pol) used for power supply;
• Bind (bind) - having bought separately a receiver and a transmitter, they need to be combined, bind to each other - bind;
• Hangs like a nailed - good gyro performance, gyroplane stability;
• Toilet bowl, funnel, butterfly - various movements of the machine that occur when the shaft or blades are damaged;
• Pancake flights - this is how inexperienced pilots fly, without performing figures, on the horizon;
• Brew tea in a glass with a helicopter (slalom around the chair legs) - an experienced pilot emphasizes his skills;
• Crash - an accident;
• Bano - side lights.

Now you can safely go for the first turntable - you are ready to discuss constructive moments, do not fly with a canapa, a flybar, and you will not be mistaken by the price tag. Fly and grow in technical equipment, vocabulary, expand the company of helicopter fans.