subject: The Absolute And Essential Truth About The Remote-controlled Helicopters [print this page] A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally. Because of these, helicopters are ideal for rescue and similar activities in places where access using land vehicles and other aircrafts, such as secluded forests and in villages ravaged by storm which have destroyed its roads and bridges. It can also be used for personal needs, such as in the case of rich people who need quick and easy transportation. Another is that they can be for a person's recreation purposes. However, helicopters are quite expensive, therefore posing an obstacle for regular folk. In spite of this, anyone can enjoy "piloting" their own helicopter, willing it to perform complex manoeuvres in the air with the help of remote controlled helicopter.
Remote controlled helicopter, also called radio-controlled helicopter or simply RC helicopter, is a model aircraft of the actual helicopter. This denotes that RC choppers basically have the same components and parts as the real helicopters and work on the same principle, except the fact that, as suggested by the name, they are controlled by remotes or radio devices which allows flawless operation even at long distance and high altitudes. The construction, aerodynamics, and flight training are some of the distinctions between the choppers and the RC airplanes.
The most prominent of these differences is the presence of a rotor system as opposed to the wings of RC airplanes. The rotor is the rotating part of the helicopter which generates lift. Main rotors are mounted horizontally as to create lift vertically while tail rotors are placed vertically so as to provide horizontal lift which counters the torque effect thus providing easier control with the RC craft.
Radio gear is important for the successful and effective flying of these RCs. Radio gears allow the pilot to control the aircraft even from a distance. Despite the fact that there are also micro helicopters in use of 2-channel control systems, undersized helicopters, which are fixed-pitch, usually need 4-channel radio. On the other hand, collective-pitch helicopters require at least 5 most common channels.
Collective throttle and rudder throttle are some of the modifiable mixing functions that can be found on the advanced radios being used in the helicopters. This aspect goes hand in hand with the typical interactions of the vehicle's various control systems. RC choppers are commonly powered by nitro, electric batteries, gas turbines, petrol and gasoline, with each fuel source being compatible only to specific sizes.
There are numerous fundamental designs of RC choppers that can be found. Some of the helicopters are easier to manage than the others. The ones with collective pitch is an example of this design. They have blades which revolve on their axis when placed in reverse mode.
What people find pleasurable with flying these is that they allow the individual to take control of his own aircraft and act as pilot without dwelling on the fact that a mistake can cost him his life. This is of course due to the fact that these are merely models and are only controlled using remote devices. People are able to engage in competitions where they can compare their piloting skills.
Having your own remote controlled helicopter is a pleasurable way to compete and a nice way of recreation. In a way, the flight of the craft seems to take one's troubles away for a while as the pilot focuses on flying it carefully. Aside from this, they are also quite inexpensive and can be a hobby of almost anyone.
